儿童心脏死亡器官捐献供者双肾整块移植早期临床疗效观察

目的：观察儿童心脏死亡器官捐献（ DCD ）供者双肾整块移植的早期临床疗效。方法回顾性分析中山大学附属第一医院器官移植中心2010年2月至2013年9月儿童DCD供者双肾整块移植供、受者临床资料。6例儿童DCD供者中位年龄3岁（10个月～6岁）,均捐献给相同血型受者。6例受者中位年龄39．5岁（17～48岁）,成年人5例,17岁男性1例,原发病均为慢性肾小球肾炎;均为首次肾移植,群体反应性抗体均阴性, HLA错配数1～4个。均采用右侧髂窝整块移植法。结果6例受者手术均获成功。移植肾热缺血时间中位数为17．5 min （0～23 min）,冷缺血时间中位数为6．6 h （4．8～7．4 h）。术后肾功能恢复均较顺利,未发生急性排斥反应、移植肾原发性无功能和移植肾功能延迟。其中4例为移植肾功能立即恢复（即术后第5天血清肌酐≤265μmol/L ）,2例为移植肾功能缓慢恢复（即术后第5天血清肌酐＞265μmol/L）。1例受者术后7 d右侧移植肾动脉血栓形成;1例受者术后15 d诊断为肺结核行正规抗结核治疗;1例受者术后1年出现移植肾动脉吻合口狭窄,介入治疗后恢复。术后随访1～36个月,受者和移植肾全部存活,所有受者肾功能均正常。结论儿童DCD供者双肾整块移植早期临床疗效良好,是一种扩大供者来源的良好途径。     

Long-term results of en bloc transplantation of pediatric kidneys into adults using a vicryl mesh envelope technique

En bloc transplantation of pediatric kidneys into adults is a suitable measure to help correct the shortage of available kidneys. This practice, however, is not widespread because of the high incidence of vascular complications. Our institution has previously described a vicryl mesh technique for en bloc kidneys, with an attempt to reduce the incidence of vascular complications. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term results of recipients with en bloc kidneys stabilized with this technique. The charts of 644 adult renal transplants performed between July 1987 and July 1999 were reviewed. During this period, 14 adult patients have received 14 pairs of en bloc pediatric kidneys using the vicryl mesh technique. All patients received OKT3 as an induction immunosuppression with cyclosporine started 10-14 d after the transplant. The median donor age was 24 months (range 14-84 months), and the median recipient age was 49 yr (range 23-68 yr). The mean recipient weight was 79 kg (range 60-114 kg). The mean cold ischemia time was 14.2 hr. None of the patients developed vascular or urological complications. Delayed graft function and moderate acute rejection occurred in one patient each. At a mean follow-up of 51 months (range 7-96 months), all 14 patients maintained excellent renal function with a mean creatinine of 1.01 mg/dL. Renal measurements pre-operatively and at follow-up ultrasound examinations were available in 9 patients, and the mean length of the kidneys had grown approximately 5.0 cm. These data demonstrate that minimal vascular and immunological complication rates can be achieved with pediatric en bloc kidneys using the vicryl mesh envelope technique.     

En Bloc Transplantation of Kidneys from Pediatric Donors

PurposeCadaveric kidneys from pediatric donors represent an important resource for human allotransplantation. We report 7 cases in which a new technique was used for en bloc transplantation of pediatric cadaver kidneys into adult recipients.Materials and MethodsPaired cadaveric kidneys obtained from donors younger than 6 years (mean age 26 months) were transplanted en bloc into 2 children (mean age 12.5 years) and 5 adults (mean age 50 years) using en bloc extraperitoneal interposition of the donor aorta and vena cava into the recipient external iliac artery and vein.ResultsAll patients had excellent perfusion immediately following transplantation on^99m technetium-pentetic acid perfusion scans. Serum creatinine decreased to its nadir an average of 7 days post-transplantation in all but 1 patient. In 3 patients glomerular filtration rate increased 3 to 5-fold at 3 months and 6 months after transplantation. No patient had venous or arterial thrombosis postoperatively and 2 had ureteral leaks. In 3 patients moderate to severe biopsy proved acute rejection episodes were successfully reversed by intensifying immunosuppressive treatment and recovery of allograft function was excellent following antirejection therapy. Grafts were lost due to chronic rejection at 10 years in 1 patient and noncompliance in 1. Currently 5 patients are well with normal serum creatinine values at 3 months to 1 year of followup.ConclusionsEn bloc transplantation of small pediatric kidneys using a new technique averts the complication of vascular thrombosis and provides adequate mass to achieve a normal level of renal function.     

20 años de experiencia en trasplante renal en bloque de donantes pediátricos en receptores adultos

BackgroundEn bloc kidney transplantation from pediatric donors into adult recipients increases the donor pool. However, this surgical procedure is not widely performed in many transplant centers. To evaluate the long-term outcomes of bloc kidney transplantation from pediatric donors into adult recipients in a single center.Material and methodsRetrospective analysis of 42 patients who received pediatric cadaveric bloc kidney transplantation in our center since 1999. Median follow-up period was 73 months (5-233) in which renal function tests were taken and complications registered.ResultsWe have performed 42 bloc kidney transplantation from pediatric donors into adult recipients in our center. The recipients’ age was 44.1 ± 11.8 years. Pediatric donors were 22.4 ± 14.7 months old and weighted 11.3 ± 3.6 kg. Cold ischemia time was 15.7 ± 4.5 hours. During a median follow-up of 73 months, 35 patients (83.3%) had graft survival with excellent function (first-year serum creatinine levels of 0.99 ± 0.25 mg/dl). There were 7 graft losses (16.7%) in the immediate postoperative period (4 cases of vascular thrombosis, one anastomosis dehiscence and 2 cortical necrosis).ConclusionsThe pediatric en bloc renal graft transplantation into adults is a safe technique with excellent medium- to long-term functional performance. The vast majority of significant complications leading to graft loss were reported in the immediate postoperative period. A good selection of donors and recipients as well as an adequate surgical technique are essential to minimize the occurrence of adverse events.     

Long-term follow-up of pediatric en bloc renal transplantation

We reviewed the outcomes of pediatric en bloc renal transplantation at two Canadian centers in the cyclosporine era. Between 1984 and 2002, 16 patients received pediatric en bloc renal transplants. Mean recipient age and weight were 45 +/- 17 years and 72.2 +/- 14.4 kg, respectively. En bloc kidneys were procured from donors aged 2.1 +/- 0.8 years (range, 0.7 to 4.0), weighing an average of 14.3 +/- 2.0 kg (range, 12 to 17). All en bloc kidneys were successfully transplanted without thrombosis. All patients received calcineurin inhibitors and corticosteroids. Only three patients received antibody-based induction therapy. Rejection episodes occurring in seven grafts were all successfully treated. Mean follow-up was 3.7 years (range 0.4 to 15.0). Mean serum creatinine values at 3 months and 1 and 3 years were 138.8 +/- 54.5 micromol/L, 118.6 +/- 38.1 micromol/L, and 95.1 +/- 24.4 micromol/L, respectively. The mean creatinine value of five patients with at least 5 years follow-up was 96.8 +/- 12.3 micromol/L. Three-year graft and patient survival rates were 94%. Two deaths with functioning grafts occurred secondary to cardiac and infectious etiologies. None of the grafts were lost independent of death. We conclude that en bloc transplantation has excellent short- and long-term results. Improving graft function after 3 years represented by reduced serum creatinine suggests that these kidneys have excellent renal reserve and growth potential.     

Superiority of pediatric en bloc renal allografts over living donor kidneys: a long-term functional study

BACKGROUND: Growing waiting list for kidney transplantation in the United States makes it imperative to expand donor pool to use of pediatric kidneys. Because en bloc pediatric kidneys double nephron numbers, it would be interesting to learn how they fare compared to living donor kidneys long term. METHODS: Retrospective chart review was performed on all 72 pediatric en bloc and 75 live adult donor kidney recipients transplanted between January 1990 and December 2001. Long term graft function was assessed with glomerular filtration rate (GFR) using the abbreviated modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD) formula. RESULTS: Pediatric donor was 16.9 +/- 11.2 months old and weighed 10.7 +/- 3.8 kg. Nine en bloc kidneys thrombosed at a mean of 4.2 days posttransplantation. Proteinuria was detected later posttransplantation in en bloc group (45.6 +/- 33.6 months vs. 23.4 +/- 16.3 months, P = 0.002). Pediatric en bloc recipients had significantly higher GFR up to 8 years posttransplantation. One-year graft survival was significantly better in live donor group (93.3% vs. 81.9%, P = 0.041) but five-year graft survival rates were similar (86.7% vs. 76.3%, P = 0.125). One-year and five-year patient survival rates were similar between en bloc and live donor groups (97.3% vs. 98.6%, P = 0.585 and 94.6% vs. 93.0%, P = 0.688, respectively). CONCLUSION: Early postoperative graft thrombosis remain a challenge with pediatric en bloc renal transplants, but once the allografts survive early postoperative course, they provide better long-term function than living donor kidney transplants. In order to alleviate burden on waiting list, pediatric en bloc kidneys should be transplanted more often when available.     

Results of en bloc renal transplants of pediatric deceased donors into adult recipients

Various strategies have evolved to expand the donor pool due to the extreme shortage of organs. Herein we reviewed our experience with en bloc pediatric kidney transplantation since 1998. METHODS: From January 1998 to December 2004, nine adult patients underwent kidney transplantation using en bloc kidneys from donors <5 years old (range, 1 to 4). The mean age of the recipients was 45.1 years (range, 34 to 57). RESULTS: In recipients of en bloc pediatric transplantation, cold ischemia time ranged from 14 to 26.2 hours (mean, 21.3 hours). Mean serum creatinine at 3, 6, and 12 months after transplantation was 1.53 +/- 0.57, 1.27 +/- 0.27, and 1.15 +/- 0.26 mg/dL compared with 1.93 +/- 1.35, 1.81 +/- 1.17, and 1.73 +/- 0.85 (P = .08) in recipients of single kidneys from ideal cadaveric donors (UNOS criteria, n = 368). Patient and graft survival at 1 year were 88.8% compared with 91.2% and 85% with ideal donors (P = NS), respectively. Three cases required additional surgery. There was one death due to a cerebral vascular accident. CONCLUSION: The present study confirmed the excellent results achieved with transplantation using en bloc kidneys from young donors.     

Transplantation of pediatric en bloc cadaver kidneys into adult recipients: a single-center experience

Faced with an extreme shortage of organs transplant professionals continue to explore various strategies to expand the donor pool. Transplantation of kidneys from older and very young donors are two such options. Although kidneys from young donors (less than 5 years of age) have been associated with a high rate of technical complications and suboptimal results, use of these kidneys en bloc has been advocated to improve the outcomes. We reviewed our experience with en bloc kidney transplantation at the University of Kentucky over the past 10 years. Between 1991 and 2000 ten patients underwent kidney transplantation using kidneys en bloc from donors <5 years age. The mean age of the donors was 2.8 years with a mean weight of 16 kg (range 13-21). Mean age of the recipients was 42 years. One patient lost the graft on day one from venous thrombosis. One patient lost the graft 7 years post-transplant from chronic rejection. All of the remaining patients are doing well with functioning grafts (mean follow-up 4.5 years; range 6 months to 10 years). Both one-year and five-year graft survival rates are 89 per cent. The present study confirms that excellent results can be achieved with kidney transplantation using kidney transplantation using kidneys en bloc from donors younger than 5 years of age.     

Graft survival and graft function of pediatric en bloc kidneys in paraaortal position

BACKGROUND: En bloc kidneys from pediatric donors are regarded as questionable with respect to the safety and quality of the transplant outcome. Therefore, we retrospectively studied graft outcome and graft function of our 56 en bloc kidneys transplanted in paraaortal position between 1992 and 1999. METHODS: Graft outcome of en bloc kidneys (group A) was compared with graft outcome of single cadaveric adult donor kidneys (group B). Matched pairs were generated regarding HLA-missmatch, cold ischemic time, recipient age, body mass index, and systolic arterial blood pressure. RESULTS: Allograft survival rates of pediatric en bloc kidneys at 1, 3, and 5 years were significantly lower (group A: 78, 70, 70% vs. group B: 92, 92, 81%, P<0.05). Lower survival rate was caused by a higher number of graft losses in the early postoperative period (group A: 21% vs. group B: 4%, P<0.01) due to vascular complications. Main risk factor for graft loss was donor age of less than 12 months. Five years after transplantation serum creatinine of pediatric en bloc kidneys was significantly better than of adult kidneys (0.9+/-0.06 vs. 1.8+/-0.2 mg/dl, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: En bloc kidneys show a high percentage of graft survival with excellent long-term graft function. However, the early postoperative period carries a higher risk of graft loss in very young donors due to vascular complications. In the face of donor shortage en bloc kidneys from pediatric donors can successfully be transplanted in a paraaortal position.     

Successful Long-Term Outcomes Using Pediatric En Bloc Kidneys for Transplantation

GOAL: The objective of our study was to determine whether acceptable long-term graft survival and function can be achieved using pediatric en bloc renal transplants by employing specific immunologic and selection strategies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of pediatric en bloc kidney transplants at a single institution was performed. A Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to evaluate graft survival. FINDINGS: Fifty-seven adult recipients with at least a 1-year follow-up period were successfully transplanted using pediatric en bloc kidneys between 1993 and 1998. Complete data regarding immunosuppression were available for 53 patients. All patients had a cyclosporine (CsA)- or tacrolimus (TAC)-based regimen with either azathioprine (Aza) or mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and corticosteroids. All but two received induction with OKT3. One-, 3-, 4-, 5- and 7-year graft survival was calculated to be 88%, 86%, 83%, 68% and 68%, respectively. The mean serum creatinine value at 3 years was 1.0+/-0.4 mg/dL. Thirteen patients (23%) had biopsy-proven rejection. Ten of 19 (53%) patients treated with CsA/Aza had rejection, whereas 2/15 (13%) on CsA/MMF and 1/19 (5%) of patients on TAC/MMF had rejection. Nine patients (16%) had surgical complications. CONCLUSION: Excellent long-term results can be achieved in pediatric en bloc kidney transplantation using OKT3, TAC and MMF in carefully selected adult recipients.     

Increasing the donor pool using en bloc pediatric kidneys for transplant

OBJECTIVES: En bloc pediatric kidney transplants (EBPKT) are still a subject of controversy. The aim of this study was to determine whether acceptable long-term graft survival and function can be achieved in EBPKT compared with the transplant of single, cadaveric, adult donor kidneys. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of 66 recipients of en bloc kidneys from cadaveric pediatric donors and 434 patients who underwent transplantation with a single kidney from an adult donor between January 1990 and May 2002 at the authors' hospital. The recipients were well-matched demographically. Both transplant groups were analyzed for short- and long-term performance in terms of transplant outcome and quality of graft function. RESULTS: Overall death-censored actuarial graft survival rates at 1 and 5 years were 89.2% and 84.6% in the adult kidney transplants (AKT) and 83.3% and 81.1% in EBPKT, respectively (P=0.56). In the EBPKT group, graft function was improved over that observed in AKT. Vascular thrombosis was the most common cause of graft loss in EBPKT. Acute rejection occurred more frequently in AKT and Cox's regression analysis indicated that undergoing an AKT was a predictive factor for acute vascular rejection (adjusted risk ratio, 3.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.4-10.2; P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Overall graft survival was similar in both groups, vascular complications were the main cause of graft loss in EBPKT, and the EBPKT showed excellent long-term graft function and a low incidence of acute rejection.     

A novel technique for en bloc kidney transplantation from infant donors with extremely low body weight by using the distal abdominal aorta as an outflow tract

Pediatric kidney donors remain underutilized due to the high risk of postoperative thrombosis. To address this problem, we developed a novel en bloc kidney transplantation technique using donor thoracic aorta and the distal abdominal aorta as inflow and outflow tracts, respectively. Briefly, eight kidneys from deceased infant donors under five months old and with low body weight (1.9‐4.9 kg) were transplanted en bloc into four pediatric and four adult patients. The donor's common iliac artery or external iliac artery was anastomosed to the recipient's distal external iliac artery or inferior epigastric artery, respectively, as an outflow tract. Recipients received basiliximab or antithymocyte globulin as induction therapy followed by tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and prednisone but without prophylactic anticoagulation. Delayed graft function was observed in one patient but was reversed at 90 days posttransplant. Two patients had urine leakage, which was cured by conservative treatment. Two recipients developed lung infections that eventually cleared. No patients experienced posttransplant vascular thrombosis. After 1‐1.5 years of follow‐up, all patients are well and have normal serum creatinine levels. In conclusion, this novel en bloc kidney transplantation technique using a modified arterial inflow and outflow tract can prevent vascular thrombosis and provide adequate graft function.     

Pediatric cadaver kidneys. Their use in renal transplantation.

Of 350 consecutive cadaver kidney transplants, 32 kidneys from donors aged 1 day to 9 years were transplanted. Our results indicate that, with strict adherence to certain guidelines in kidney procurement and transplantion, pediatric kidneys are excellent donor graft material. In contrast to en bloc transplantation of both kidneys from pediatric donors, each donor can provide kidneys for two recipients. In addition, the transplantation of pediatric kidneys as single units is both simple and safe.     

Transplantation of single and paired pediatric kidneys into adult recipients

Background:The transplantation of kidneys from cadaveric donors ≤ 5 years of age into adult recipients is controversial. The large disparity between donor renal mass and recipient body mass is feared to be problematic. Controversy also exists whether to transplant kidneys from these young donors individually or as a pair into a single recipient.Study Design:We retrospectively reviewed our experience from January 1991 to January 1995 with 22 adulrenal transplantations using kidneys from cadaveric donors ≤ 5 years of age. Ten patients received single allografts. Twelve received organs paired en bloc. Fiftytwo adult recipients from cadaveric donors aged 18–55 years served as controls. All patients received cyclosporine-based immunosuppression. Recipient characteristics did not differ significantly between the groups.Results:Actuarial patient and graft survival rates were similar for the two groups. The incidence of urinary complications was higher in the recipients of pediatric kidneys than in the adult-donor group (18.2% versus 3.8%, respectively, p = not significant). No grafts were lost from urinary complications. Renal function, as determined by the calculated creatinine clearance, was significantly greater in the pediatric group (76.1 ± 4.0 versus 61.4 ± 23.2 mL/min, p = 0.035) by 6 months after transplantation. Recipients of paired pediatric kidneys initially had better renal function (63.9 ± 21.4 mL/min) than those receiving single pediatric kidneys (38.2 ± 11.6 mL/min) (p = 0.004), but by 6 months, no significant difference existed. At 2 years, renal function in the pediatric-donor group remained significantly better than in the adult-donor group. Hematocrit levels as a measure of erythropoiesis were similar for single pediatric, paired pediatric, and adult-donor recipients.Conclusions:Kidneys from cadaveric donors ≤ 5 years of age are suitable for transplantation into adults. Pediatric kidneys provide excellent renal function despite an initially tremendous disparity between renal mass and recipient body mass. Rapid true renal growth probably occurs. No appreciable advantage is achieved by using two pediatric kidneys for a single recipient.     

When is it reasonable to split pediatric en bloc kidneys for transplantation into two adults?

Background

Traditionally, kidneys from donors ≥60 years old and pediatric kidneys are considered marginal organs for transplantation. Pediatric donor kidneys are underutilized for transplantation into adult recipients due to concern for poor outcomes.

Methods

Using data from the Organ Procurement and Transplant Network, we analyzed patterns of pediatric kidney use (single vs en bloc) in the United States from 1987 to 2007. Using the Cox proportional hazards model, graft outcomes of pediatric donor kidneys transplanted as single vs en bloc grafts from different donor weight groups were compared with renal transplantation from donors ≥60 years old in an attempt to define a pediatric donor weight at which kidneys can be justifiably split to expand the donor pool.

Results

Compared with older donor kidneys, graft failure risk of pediatric single kidneys was consistently lower when the donor weight exceeded 10 kg. On the other hand, graft survival benefit for pediatric en bloc kidneys was evident starting at donor weight ≤10 kg in comparison to older donor kidneys. Pediatric en bloc kidneys performed consistently better than pediatric single kidneys for all donor weight groups.

Conclusions

Splitting of pediatric donor en bloc kidneys for transplantation into 2 adults when the donor weight exceeds 10 kg was associated with acceptable graft outcomes. This practice, along with increased use of small pediatric donor kidneys, may help to alleviate the waiting list burden in renal transplantation.     

Solitary renal allografts from pediatric cadaver donors less than 2 years of age transplanted into adult recipients

BACKGROUND: Transplantation of solitary pediatric renal allografts from donors 2 years of age or younger into adult recipients is controversial. METHODS: Between 1998 and 2001, 15 solitary renal allografts from pediatric donors 2 years of age or younger were transplanted into adult recipients. Thirty-three en bloc renal allografts transplanted between 1994 and 2001 were used for comparison. En bloc kidneys were considered for separation if they measured greater than or equal to 6 cm in length. Renal function (creatinine clearance [CrCl]) was estimated using the Cockroft-Gault formula. RESULTS: Two-year graft survival for the solitary and en bloc groups were 93% and 77%, respectively (P =0.405). Five grafts were lost because of arterial thrombosis (four en bloc and one solitary). Ureteral complications occurred in three grafts in the en bloc group. One-year postoperative CrCl of the surviving solitary (n=14) and en bloc (n=26) grafts were 51.4+/-26.2 mL/min and 55.1+/-27.5 mL/min (P >0.05), respectively. Donor weight and kidney length were greater in the solitary group (14.3+/-3.5 kg and 6.3+/-0.4 cm, respectively) compared with the en bloc group (10.8+/-2.6 kg and 5.9+/-0.3 cm, respectively) (P =0.001 and P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Separation of en bloc pairs into solitary allografts can be considered when the graft measures greater than or equal to 6 cm in length and donor weight is greater than or equal to 14 kg. The transplantation of solitary pediatric kidneys into adult recipients is successful, and the majority of pediatric en bloc allografts can be separated before transplantation.     

Duct-to-duct biliary anastomosis with a "corner-saving suture" technique in living-related liver transplantation

OBJECTIVES: Biliary complications after living-related liver transplantation (LRLT) remain a major source of morbidity for recipients. We describe our technique and early results with 32 recipients who underwent LRLT with duct-to-duct anastomoses during the last 2 years. METHODS: Between January 2003 and December 2004, 50 patients underwent liver transplantation in our center with overall patient and graft survival rate of 86.4% and 86.4%. Of 50 patients, 41 (82.0%; 17 adult and 24 pediatric) underwent LRLT, 32 (78.0%) of whom had duct-to-duct biliary anastomoses with a "corner-saving suture" technique. RESULTS: Of 32 patients in whom duct-to-duct biliary anastomoses were performed, 4 (12.5%) had an anastomotic leak with 2 eventually developing bile duct strictures within 3 months. One patient required reoperation for a bile leak. All other anastomotic leaks and strictures were treated with percutaneous drainage and balloon dilatation with excellent outcomes. There was no long-term morbidity and no graft loss owing to biliary complications. Seven patients died during follow-up (0.5 to 25 months); 43 are doing well with optimal liver function in the early posttransplantation period. CONCLUSION: According to our early results, we recommend duct-to-duct anastomosis in LRLT when calibration of the ducts show suitable results and when there is no tension on the anastomosis site. Otherwise, Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy should be performed to decrease risk of biliary complications.     

One-year follow-up of en bloc renal transplants from pediatric donors in adult recipients

Objectives

The optimal use of kidneys from small pediatric cadaveric donors remains controversial. The aim of this study was to analyze short-term graft and patient survivals of en bloc kidney transplantations compared with single cadaveric adult donor kidney transplantations.

Patients and methods

We compared the 1-year evolution of 14 adult recipients of en bloc pediatric kidney donors (EBKT) of median age 13.5 ± 14.5 months (range = 3 days to 48 months) with 182 recipients of ideal adult cadaveric donors (ADT) showing a median age of 30 ± 21 years (range = 14-45 years).

Results

Besides the different age and weight of the donors, EBKT recipients were more commonly women (P = .05) and received thymoglobulin induction treatment (P = .00). Delayed graft function was higher in EBKT (46.2% vs 22.2%, P = .05), with no differences in the incidences of acute rejection episodes. Mean serum creatinine values at 3, 6, and 12 months after transplantation were 1.1 ± 0.3, 1.1 ± 0.2, and 1.0 ± 0.2 mg/dL in the EBKT group, compared with 1.3 ± 0.5 (P = .16), 1.3 ± 0.5 (P = .02), and 1.3 ± 0.6 (P < .01) in the ADT group. Vascular allograft complications were more frequent among EBKT. Graft survival rate at 1 year was 92% in both groups, with no differences in patient survival (100% in EBKT vs 92% in ADT; P = .49).

Conclusions

EBKT from small pediatric donors show excellent graft function and 1-year survival and should be considered for transplantation into adults.     

Recovery and Utilization of Deceased Donor Kidneys from Small Pediatric Donors

The optimal use of kidneys from small pediatric deceased donors remains undetermined. Using data from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients, 2886 small (< 21 kg) pediatric donors between 1993 and 2002 were identified. Donor factors predictive of kidney recovery and transplantation (1343 en bloc; 1600 single) were identified by logistic regression. Multivariable Cox regression was used to assess the risk of graft loss. The rate of kidney recovery from small pediatric donors was significantly higher with increasing age, weight and height. The odds of transplant of recovered small donor kidneys were significantly higher with increasing age, weight, height and en bloc recovery (adjusted odds ratio = 65.8 vs. single; p < 0.0001), and significantly lower with increasing creatinine. Compared to en bloc, solitary transplants had a 78% higher risk of graft loss (p < 0.0001). En bloc transplants had a similar graft survival to ideal donors (p = 0.45) while solitary transplants had an increased risk of graft loss (p < 0.0001). En bloc recovery of kidneys from small pediatric donors may result in the highest probability of transplantation. Although limited by the retrospective nature of the study, kidneys transplanted en bloc had a similar graft survival to ideal donors but may not maximize the number of successfully transplanted recipients.     

Outcomes of En Bloc Kidney Transplantation From Pediatric Donors: A Single-Center Experience

Background

To overcome a shortage of donors, cadaveric pediatric en bloc kidneys can be used to expand the donor pool. Recent evidence shows that en bloc kidney transplantation (EBKT) has better outcomes than standard-criteria deceased adult donor kidney transplantation. We reviewed our experiences of EBKT and their outcomes.