Simple Cysts in Donor Kidney Contribute to Reduced Allograft Function

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Transplantation Immunology
• Urology

Background:

• Simple renal cysts are potential early indicators of kidney disease.
• The impact of simple cysts in donor kidneys on allograft function requires investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if simple cysts in donor kidneys are associated with a decline in allograft function in living donor kidney transplantation.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 716 living donor kidney transplants.
• Comparison of 64 recipients with cysts in donor kidneys against 128 matched controls without cysts.
• Analysis of donor and recipient data, including baseline serum creatinine, age, and body surface area.

Main Results:

• Donor kidneys with cysts showed increased glomerular sclerosis at time-zero biopsy.
• Recipients of kidneys with cysts had significantly lower estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) at multiple post-transplant time points (day 7, month 6, year 5).
• Higher mean serum creatinine levels were observed in recipients with cyst-bearing donor kidneys at day 7 and 6 months post-transplant.

Conclusions:

• Simple cysts in donor kidneys can adversely affect both early and long-term allograft function.
• Kidneys with cysts warrant careful consideration during donor selection in living donor transplantation to optimize patient outcomes.