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Updated: Oct 1, 2025

Normothermic Ex Vivo Kidney Perfusion for the Preservation of Kidney Grafts prior to Transplantation
Published on: July 15, 2015
Crystalloid fluids and delayed graft function in kidney transplant: A cohort study
Amr ALKouny1, Mohammed K ALHarbi2, Abdulrahman R ALTheaby3
1Department of Anesthesia, King Abdul Aziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Fluid type and volume administered during kidney transplants did not significantly impact delayed graft function (DGF). Cold ischemia time was the main factor influencing DGF, not the crystalloid solution used.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Transplantation Surgery
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Normal saline, frequently used in kidney transplantation, carries a risk of hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis due to its high chloride content.
- Balanced electrolyte solutions with lower chloride content may offer an advantage.
- Limited evidence exists on optimal fluid management strategies during kidney transplantation and their impact on delayed graft function (DGF).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of intraoperative crystalloid fluid type and volume on the incidence of delayed graft function (DGF) after kidney transplantation.
- To identify factors independently associated with DGF in kidney transplant recipients.
Main Methods:
- A study included 138 kidney transplant patients, followed for seven days post-surgery.
- Crystalloid type (lactated Ringer's, normal saline, PlasmaLyte) and volume were compared between patients with and without DGF.
- Logistic regression analysis identified variables independently correlated with DGF, reporting odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).
Main Results:
- The incidence of DGF was 8.7%.
- Cold ischemia time was independently associated with increased odds of DGF (OR = 1.006).
- Intraoperative fluid type or volume did not significantly alter DGF odds. Patients receiving normal saline developed more intraoperative acidosis, but acid-base and electrolyte levels did not differ significantly between DGF and non-DGF groups.
Conclusions:
- Delayed graft function (DGF) in kidney transplantation is primarily influenced by surgical factors, notably cold ischemia time.
- Intraoperative fluid management, including crystalloid type and volume, did not demonstrate a significant impact on DGF incidence in this study.
- Further research may be needed to fully elucidate the role of fluid management in optimizing kidney transplant outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
Kidney Transplant I: Introduction
Kidney Transplant II: Surgical Procedure
Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention
Kidney Transplant III: Nursing Management
Acute Kidney Injury III: Clinical Manifestations
Acute Kidney Injury II: Pathophysiology

