Perioperative factors associated with delayed graft function in renal transplant patients

Successful renal transplant and consequent good graft function depend on a good surgical technique, an anesthetic that ensures the hemodynamic stability of the receiver, and appropriate conditions of graft and recipient. Several factors can interfere with the perfusion of the graft and compromise its viability. The objective of this study was to evaluate perioperative factors associated with delayed graft function (DGF) in renal transplantation patients.

This is a historical cohort study of patients who underwent renal transplantation between 2011 and 2013. Three hundred and ten transplants were analyzed. DGF was defined as the need for dialysis during the first week post-transplant. Logistic regression with a stepwise technique was used to build statistical models.

Multivariate analysis revealed the following risk factor for DGF: combined anesthesia technique (OR = 3.81, 95%CI, 1.71 to 9.19), a fluid regimen < 50 mL·kg-1 (OR = 3.71, 95%CI, 1.68 to 8.61), dialysis for more than 60 months (OR = 4.77, 95%CI, 1.93 to 12.80), basiliximab (OR = 3.34, 95%CI, 1.14 to 10.48), cold ischemia time > 12 hour (OR = 5.26, 95%CI, 2.62 to 11.31), living donor (OR = 0.19, 95%CI, 0.02 to 0.65), and early diuresis (OR = 0.02, 95%CI, 0.008 to 0.059). The accuracy of this model was 92.6%, calculated using the area under the ROC curve. The incidence of DGF in the study population was 76.1%.

Combined anesthesia technique, dialysis for more than 60 months, basiliximab, and cold ischemia time > 12 hours are risk factor for DGF, while liberal fluid regimens and kidneys from living donors are protective factors.