Delayed Graft Function 5 Months After Living Donor Kidney Transplantation.

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Transplantation Immunology
• Clinical Medicine

Background:

• Delayed graft function (DGF) is a critical complication following kidney transplantation, characterized by the immediate non-function of the transplanted organ.
• Understanding the trajectory and long-term outcomes of DGF is crucial for patient management and graft survival.

Observation:

• A rare case of prolonged DGF in a 59-year-old woman following unrelated living donor kidney transplantation is presented.
• The delayed graft function persisted for an extended period of 148 days.

Findings:

• Despite the 148-day DGF, the patient maintained good kidney graft function 15 years post-transplantation.
• Serum creatinine levels remained stable at approximately 1.4 to 2.0 mg/dl, indicating sustained allograft viability.

Implications:

• This case demonstrates that significant DGF does not necessarily preclude long-term successful kidney allograft function.
• It suggests the potential for recovery and good outcomes even in cases of extended graft dysfunction, offering hope for patients with similar presentations.