Early Postoperative Use of Diuretics After Kidney Transplantation Showed Increase in Delayed Graft Function

Impact of Ultrasonographically Measured Elastography Scores on Renal Prognosis in Kidney Transplant Recipients

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between ultrasonographic elastography score and long-term renal prognosis in renal transplant patients.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study of 100 patients who underwent renal transplantation in our hospital between 2005 and 2022 was performed. Patients were divided into two groups as those with elastography scores higher than 8.45 kPa (n = 50) and those with elastography scores equal to or lower than 8.45 kPa (n = 50). Elastography measurements were performed with Siemens Acuson S2000 ultrasound system and the scores were compared with renal function parameters and other clinical characteristics.

RESULTS

Patients with high elastography scores had smaller kidney size (P = .010), lower eGFR (P = .002), and higher proteinuria and albuminuria levels (P < .05) than patients with low elastography scores. There was a significant association between elastography score and the risk of renal dysfunction (OR = 1.039, P = .006).

CONCLUSIONS

A large elastography score may act as a significant biomarker for prognosing the risk of renal dysfunction in subjects undergoing kidney transplantation. These findings suggest that elastography may become an invaluable noninvasive tool during the long-term follow-up of patients with renal transplants.

Diuretic Use in Post-Kidney Transplant Patients: A Retrospective Chart Review

BACKGROUND

The occurrence of delayed graft function (DGF) significantly enhances the possibility of both acute and chronic rejection of the transplanted organ, thereby reducing patient quality of life and survival rates. To prevent and manage oliguria in renal transplant patients, loop diuretics are presently commonly used. In our study, we assessed the possible impact of furosemide on the incidence of DGF among kidney transplant recipients.

METHODS

A review of medical records was conducted to examine demographic characteristics and kidney transplant outcomes in an adult (older than 18 years old) population. The primary objective was to determine the incidence of delayed graft function (DGF), whereas the secondary objective was to compare the creatinine levels and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at day 30 and day 90 post-transplantation in patients who were administered furosemide vs those who were not.

RESULTS

This study included 330 patients who underwent kidney transplantation. Furosemide was administered to 169 (51.3%), whereas 161(48.7%) patients did not receive continued dose of diuretic postoperatively. The rate of DGF was significantly higher in patients who received furosemide than in those who did not (furosemide 44% vs 4%; P < .001). The eGFR was lower in the furosemide group compared to the no furosemide group at day 30 (56 ± 24 vs 71 ± 24 mL/min/1.73 m2, P < .001) and day 90 (66 ± 27 vs 78 ± 25 mL/min/1.73 m2, P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that there is no benefit in treating an oliguric AKI with furosemide. Administration of furosemide, especially in high doses, may increase the risk of toxicity, delay dialysis, and increase the length of stay.

Predictors of Delayed Graft Function in Renal Transplantation

PURPOSE

This study aimed to analyze our data on delayed graft function (DGF) and to identify associated factors.

METHODS

This is a retrospective case-control study of all patients transplanted in our center over a period of 11 years (January 1, 2003, to December 31, 2014) comparing patients with immediate graft function (n = 332) to those with DGF (n = 165). DGF was defined as the need for hemodialysis within the first 7 days after transplantation. Donor and recipient characteristics as well as procedural factors were compared by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

Overall, 33% of patients had DGF. The rate of DGF declined from 2003 to 2011. In cases with DGF, donors and recipients were significantly older (p = 0.004 and p = 0.005, respectively), had longer cold ischemia times (p = 0.039), more revision surgeries (p < 0.001), and more HLA mismatches (p = 0.001), especially in the DR locus (p = 0.002). Neither donor nor recipient gender, waiting time, nor CMV status had any influence. In multivariable analysis, significant risk factors were ischemia time and mismatches at the HLA-DR loci.

CONCLUSIONS

DGF is a common complication in renal transplantation which occurred in 33% of our cases. Important factors identified were donor and recipient age, ischemia time, HLA mismatching, and revision surgery.