[Prognostic factors in the course of kidney transplantation]

The success rate of kidney transplants is influenced by many factors. Analysis of the largest available collection of transplant data shows a statistical influence of HLA compatibility, immunosuppression with cyclosporin, donor age, preservation solution with preservation times longer than 24 h, and prophylactic treatment with anti-CMV immunoglobulin in transplants from CMV-positive donors to CMV-negative recipients. Type and duration of pretransplant dialysis and recipient age were not shown to have a significant influence. These results demonstrate that the analysis of retrospective data allows a quantitative estimation of the influence of risk factors. This knowledge can be utilized prospectively to improve the transplant success rate.