Does cyclosporine influence the results of cadaver retransplantation?

The results of cadaveric retransplantation in 55 recipients immunosuppressed with cyclosporine and prednisone were compared to 156 recipients of primary renal allografts. By 3 yr posttransplant, there is no significant difference in patient survival, but the yearly graft survival for primary (79%, 72%, 72%) as compared to retransplant (69%, 58%, 58%) recipients was significantly (p less than 0.05) better. There was no significant difference in rejection episodes or mean +/- SD serum creatinine (mg/dl) at 2 yr between primary (32%, 2.14 +/- 1.1) and retransplant (33%, 2.08 +/- 1.4) patients, respectively. Donor source, third kidneys, human leukocyte antigen AB and Dr matching, percent reactive antibody levels, and cause of first graft loss do not have significant impact on cyclosporine-treated retransplant outcome. However, retransplant patients who have lost a previous graft in less than 3 months continue to be at high risk for subsequent early graft loss. These results suggest that the combination of cyclosporine and prednisone is the preferred regimen for cadaveric retransplantation.