Influence of pretransplant transfusions on kidney graft survival

A study was made to elucidate the influence of transfusions on graft survival in 42 transplanted patients. In this series of multitransfused patients the number of units given was without significance, whereas transfusions given before onset of renal disease deteriorated graft prognosis. Possible explanations are discussed and a restrictive transfusion policy is advocated for patients, for instance with malformation of the urinary tract, who may be future candidates for transplantation.