Analysis of data on 170 consecutive patients transplanted with kidneys from living relatives

Graft survival, mortality, histocompatibility and rehabilitation were studied in 170 consecutive patients receiving kidneys from living relatives. Average follow-up was 5 years and one month with a minimum post-transplant evaluation of 6 months. Overall patient survival was 93 per cent at one year and there was a remarkable decline thereafter. Overall graft survival was 84 per cent at one year, 73 per cent at three, and 67 per cent at five years. Among the 76 patients treated since 1979, both patients and graft survival have improved: 93 per cent and 80 per cent at three years, respectively, because of a decrease in serious complications. Although no correlation was found between HLA-A and B loci matching and graft survival in patients with no mismatch in the HLA-DR locus, there was a significantly higher graft survival. Infection, the leading cause of death especially in the early post-transplant period, has been brought under control. Aseptic necrosis of the femoral head which occurred in 27 (16 per cent) patients proved to be the most difficult problem. The majority of patients are functioning well socially and vocationally and reproductive functions have been restored. Transplantation offers a better quality of life for patients with chronic renal failure, as compared to hemodialysis. The increased procurement of cadaver kidneys must be given attention.