[Kidney transplantation in Croatia]

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Transplant Surgery
• Medical History

Background:

• Historical data on global and Yugoslavian kidney transplantation is presented.
• The demand for kidney transplants in Croatia is estimated at 250 annually, with only 50-60 performed.
• Yugoslavia has performed approximately 750 kidney transplants, with Rijeka center being the most active.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review historical kidney transplantation data in Yugoslavia.
• To analyze the outcomes of living related versus cadaveric kidney transplantations.
• To identify factors influencing graft survival, particularly after 1983.

Main Methods:

• Review of historical clinical data on kidney transplantation.
• Analysis of survival rates for living related and cadaveric kidney transplants.
• Comparative analysis of graft survival rates before and after 1983.

Main Results:

• Living related kidney transplants show a higher two-year survival rate (85%) compared to cadaveric transplants (58%).
• Graft survival significantly improved after 1983, with a four-year survival rate increasing from 23% to 79%.
• The cadaveric organ donation program and its potential improvements are highlighted.

Conclusions:

• There is a substantial unmet need for kidney transplantation in the region.
• Improvements in cadaveric transplantation protocols have led to significantly better long-term outcomes.
• Enhancing the cadaveric organ procurement program is crucial for future success.