Delayed graft function after renal transplantation in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis

We have compared the incidence of delayed graft function (DGF) after renal transplantation in our patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD) (group A, n = 92) or hemodialysis (HD) (group B, n = 587), analyzing the prevalence of the main risk factors for DGF in both groups. Both groups were comparable, except for a higher prevalence of diabetes (p < 0.05) and a shorter time on dialysis (p < 0.01) in group A. Immediate graft function occurred in 68.5% of group A and 46.5% of group B, DGF in 22.5% of group A and 39.5% of group B, and there was never any function in 9% of group A and 14% of group B (p < 0.001). When potential risk factors for DGF were compared, no relevant differences could be found. HD was performed more frequently immediately before surgery in group B (p < 0.001), but statistical analysis showed no impact of this measure on the incidence of DGF. In conclusion, in our population, patients on PD present higher rates of immediate graft function after renal transplantation than patients on HD. The explanation for the difference is not clear, but seems to be related to the dialysis modality itself, as the profile of risk factors for DGF is very similar in both populations.