Verapamil prevents post-transplant oliguric renal failure

Verapamil has proven effective in preventing acute renal failure in animal models if given prior to the insult and hence possibly has a role in the preservation of cadaveric renal tissue for transplantation. Twenty renal donors were randomly assigned to treatment (receiving verapamil 20 mg intravenously) and control groups. Recipients were monitored for renal failure by urine output and serum creatinines on days 1 and 7 and dialysis requirement to one week. Early urine outputs and serum creatinines (day 1) were significantly better in the treated than control group (p greater than 0.01, 0.05 respectively). We conclude therefore that verapamil may prevent post-transplant acute renal failure, but its optimal dosage and route of administration remain to be determined.