Short-term result of renal transplantation using extracorporeal membrane oxygenation-supported brain-dead donors

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is now widely used to maintain hemodynamic stability after traumatic events among medical centers. It remains unclear whether renal transplantation using ECMO-supported donors carries poorer outcomes.

From February 2010 to March 2013, we performed 9 renal transplantations (6 females and 3 males) from 5 ECMO-supported donors. Demographic data and clinical outcomes were retrospectively analyzed through medical chart review.

The mean follow-up period was 15 ± 9 months (range: 8-37). Eight of the 9 grafts remained functioning within the follow-up period. One (11.1%) graft loss was noted after repeated acute rejection. Acute rejection occurred in 3/9 (33%) of cases. Delayed graft function was also observed in 3/9 (33%) of cases.

Renal transplantation using ECMO-supported brain-dead donors was not associated with an unacceptably high rate of graft loss in this short-term follow-up. It might be an alternative way to expand donor pools.