Outcome of grafts with long-lasting delayed function after renal transplantation

To assess the impact of long-lasting acute renal failure after renal transplantation on late graft prognosis, we compared the risk factors and outcome in renal allografts with delayed function for >3 weeks after renal transplantation (long-lasting delayed graft function [LLDGF]) (group A, n=64), and in four control groups: group B, initially functioning grafts (n=322); group C, grafts with delayed function for <2 weeks after transplantation (n=110); group D, grafts with delayed function for 14 to 20 days after transplantation (n=57); and group E, never-functioning grafts (n=88). Donor asystolia or instability, stroke as a cause of donor's death, and prolonged cold ischemia and vascular surgical times were some predictors of LLDGF. Overlap was important, but 43% of patients of group A, 15% of group B, 25% of group C, 31% of group D, and 40% of group E (P<0.01) presented two or more risk factors for severe acute tubular necrosis after transplantation. Acute rejection and early complications were very frequent in group A. Also, patient survival was significantly decreased in group A, due to a higher incidence of infectious mortality. Graft survival was moderately (NS) decreased in group A. Serum creatinine was initially higher in patients of group A, but differences disappeared after the second year. However, late proteinuria was more frequent in group A, and there was also a trend for a higher prevalence of hypertension in this group. LLDGF cannot be reliably predicted at the time of renal transplantation. The main consequence of LLDGF is an excess mortality, while the impact on late graft function is less significant. Short-lasting delayed graft function does not seem to have a negative impact on the outcome of renal transplantation.