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.     

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.     

Total abdominal evisceration: an en bloc technique for abdominal organ harvesting.

This paper describes an en bloc total abdominal evisceration (TAE) technique that has been used successfully in 81 consecutive multi-organ procurements in donors ranging from 2.5 to 85 kg. Preliminary dissection performed by the surgeon and physician's assistant averaged 30 to 45 minutes before aortic cross-clamping. Removal of all abdominal organs (liver, kidneys, pancreas, bowel) en bloc averaged 16 to 24 minutes after aortic cross-clamping, depending on the speed of the thoracic procurement. Organ grafts were preserved with the University of Wisconsin preservation solution. Total procurement time for the removal of the liver, pancreas, and kidneys averaged 1.5 to 2.25 hours. Because all vascular anomalies were easily recognized ex vivo, vascular reconstruction was possible, so that all donors could potentially provide for combined liver, pancreas, and kidney transplantation. In the TAE group, primary liver graft nonfunction was 1.2% (1/81 grafts), which is less than the non-TAE liver graft nonfunction rate of 7% (7/99 grafts); this is statistically significant (p less than 0.05). Also, the incidence of fresh frozen plasma support after liver transplantation in the TAE group (2/81 transplantations) was lower than the non-TAE group (9/99 transplantations) (p less than 0.05). The overall liver recipient survival rate was 87% (non-TAE; 78/94 recipients; TAE; 65/70 recipients). Kidney-graft initial function has been similar in both the TAE and non-TAE groups. All pancreas tissue was histologically normal, and extraction of viable islet cells (average, 3600 islets per gram pancreas) was possible with yields similar to standard pancreatic (average, 379 islets per gram pancreas) harvest techniques. Preliminary experience with combined liver and whole-organ pancreas transplantations has been encouraging, with immediate discontinuation of intraoperative insulin during transplantation.     

Regional procurement team for abdominal organs

BACKGROUND: The graft shortages make multiorgan procurements mandatory. We describe the results of a regional procurement team policy that has been employed over a 5-year period. METHODS: Three hundred forty-three multiorgan procurements were performed by a regional team using an en bloc harvesting method. RESULTS: Among 1374 grafts procured, none was discarded because of iatrogenic injuries. In three instances the liver, the pancreas, and the small bowel were procured simultaneously and transplanted to different recipients. In 42 instances the liver was not allocated to our center. Forty liver teams (95%) from 11 institutions agreed to allow the regional procurement team to run the donor procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience confirms that a regional team can successfully manage most multiorgan procurements including complex donor procedures, such as simultaneous procurement of liver, pancreas, and intestine from the same donor for transplantation to different recipients.     

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.     

A simplified technique for the en bloc procurement of abdominal organs that is suitable for pancreas and small-bowel transplantation

BACKGROUND: Graft shortage makes multiorgan procurement mandatory. We describe the results of a simplified method for the en bloc procurement of multiple organs, which permits isolated transplantation of all abdominal grafts, including the pancreas and the small bowel, to different recipients. METHODS: Three hundred forty-three multiorgan procurements were done with a simplified en bloc technique. RESULTS: None of the 1374 grafts that were procured sustained injuries that potentially precluded transplantation. Seventy-two grafts that were procured from 18 donors (5%) who were diagnosed with a neoplasm were discarded. Overall, 339 grafts that were procured from 325 donors were discarded because of specific contraindications, and 963 grafts (74%) were transplanted. Ninety-seven pancreata were transplanted. In 3 instances the pancreas and the small bowel were procured simultaneously and transplanted to different recipients. A total of 287 liver grafts were also transplanted at 13 different institutions. In 42 instances, the liver was not allocated to our center. Forty liver teams (95%) from 11 different institutions agreed to procure their grafts according to the simplified en bloc technique. Our team performed 18 procurements, and a surgeon from the liver transplantation team, who was assisted by one of the members of our team, performed 22 procurements. In all, 576 kidneys were transplanted, either alone or simultaneously, with other abdominal grafts at 15 different institutions. CONCLUSIONS: This procurement method has high yields, allows pancreas and small-bowel procurement, and can be learned readily.     

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.     

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。     

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.     

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 outcome of cadaveric pediatric en bloc transplantation--a 15-year experience

Pediatric en bloc transplantation of infant organs into adult recipients is a recognized technique to expand the number of kidneys available for transplantation. We reviewed our experience with this technique over a 15-year period to determine the long-term outcomes. Twelve patients underwent pediatric en bloc transplantation from donors aged <4 years. All transplants functioned immediately with no graft thrombosis. Two patients died 12 and 10 years posttransplant with functioning grafts. The remaining 10 recipients experienced excellent graft function with a mean follow-up time of 73.8 months (range, 10 to 169 months) with no evidence of hyperfiltration injury. We conclude that pediatric en bloc transplantations achieve excellent long-term allograft function in selected recipients.     

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.     

Standard criteria donor pancreas donation status is associated with improved kidney transplant outcomes

Abstract: Background: Organ donor characteristics can be used to predict outcomes in kidney transplantation. We hypothesized that pancreas donation status could reflect organ quality and be predictive of kidney graft outcomes following Standard Criteria Donor (SCD) kidney transplantation. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of deceased donor kidney alone (DD KA) transplants reported to SRTR from 1992 to 2005. Group 1 = kidney alone recipients from pancreas donors (KA, P+) and Group 2 = kidney alone recipients from non‐pancreas donors (KA, P?). We compared patient and graft survival between groups at 10‐yr post‐transplant. Results: Group 1 (KA, P+) comprised 19 633 (20%) recipients and Group 2 (KA, P?) comprised 78 737 (80%) recipients. Ten‐yr graft survival for Group 1 vs. Group 2 was 42.6% and 36.9% (p < 0.0001), respectively. Pancreas donation status (non‐pancreas donor) was associated with a hazard ratio for graft loss of 1.23 on univariate analysis (p < 0.0001), and KA, P‐remained an independent risk factor for graft failure at 10 yr, HR 1.09 (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Donor pancreas donation status is an independent predictor of improved outcomes of SCD kidney recipients. Further study of the pancreas organ donor pre‐procurement is warranted to optimize not only pancreas utilization but also kidney graft outcomes.     

Experience with dual kidney transplants from donors at the extremes of age

BACKGROUND: Dual kidney transplantation (DKT) from donors at the extremes of age represents one approach to expanding the organ donor pool. The purpose of this study was to review our experience with DKT from older donors and en bloc KT (EBKT) from small pediatric donors. METHODS: Deceased donor KTs performed at our center between October 2001 and November 2005, were reviewed retrospectively. If the calculated creatinine clearance in an expanded criteria donor was <65 mL/min, then the kidneys were transplanted dually into a single adult recipient. If a pediatric donor weighed <15 kg, then the kidneys were transplanted en bloc. In both instances, low-risk recipients were chosen (primary transplant, low sensitization, body mass index <25 kg/m(2), human leukocyte antigen matching). Donor, recipient, and transplant characteristics, waiting time, and outcomes were examined. RESULTS: Of a total of 279 deceased donor KTs during the 49-month study period, 15 (5%) recipients underwent DKT and 5 (2%) underwent EBKT. Mean donor age was 65.4 years and 21.4 months in the DKT and EBKT groups, respectively. Patient survival rates in both groups were 100% with a mean follow-up of 22 months (minimum, 6 months). Kidney graft survival rates were 80% (12/15) and 60% (3/5) in the DKT and EBKT groups, respectively. The combined incidence of delayed graft function was 10%. Mean 12-month glomerular filtration rates were 46 mL/min and 66 mL/min in the DKT and EBKT groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: DKT using kidneys from marginal elderly donors and EBKT from small pediatric donors appear to offer a viable option to counteract the shortage of acceptable kidney donors.     

Use of Small Donors (<28 kg) for Pancreas Transplantation

Objective

Small donors have long been considered a potential source of organs for simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation (SPK) and pancreas transplantation alone (PTA). Our aim was to analyze our experience with SPK and PTA using small donors weighing <28 kg.

Patients and Methods

Between September 2006 and October 2008, we performed 68 SPK, 3 PTA, and 3 pancreas after kidney transplantations (PAK). All recipients were adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus, including 8 who received small donor organs (<28 kg): 6 SPK and 2 PTA. We used 3 graft combinations for SPK: pancreas and single kidney; pancreas and en bloc kidneys; and en bloc dual kidney-pancreas. In contrast, we used conventional grafts for PTA. Mean weight among donors was 20.82 kg (range, 9.6-27 kg).

Results

We observed neither delayed graft function nor mortality. At a follow-up of approximately 281 days, all patients were free of insulin and dialysis treatments.

Conclusions

Kidneys and pancreas from donors weighing <28 kg can be used in adult type 1 diabetic patients with excellent results. These small pediatric donors enabled us to enlarge the number of transplantations by 10.81%.     

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.     

Single versus en bloc kidney transplantation from pediatric donors less than or equal to 15 kg

BACKGROUND: Kidney transplantation from small pediatric donors is being performed with increased frequency as single (SK) or en bloc (EBK) kidneys. METHODS: Between 2002 and 2006, 19 EBK and 14 SK transplants from pediatric donors less than or equal to 15 kg were performed. SK arterial anastomoses were performed to the aortic patch (n=8), aortic conduit (n=1), or renal artery orifice (n=5). RESULTS: En bloc kidney donors were on average younger (12+/-10 vs. 24+/-8 months, respectively; P=0.0102) and weighed less (10+/-3 vs. 13+/-3, respectively; P=0.0184). There were no differences between the two groups in recipient age, race, body mass index, degree of sensitization, retransplantation, and cold ischemia time; however, EBK recipients were somewhat better matched at the human leukocyte antigen DR locus (P=0.0515). Delayed graft function was more frequent in the SK group (25% vs. 0%; P=0.0542). Acute rejection occurred in 21% of recipients in both groups. Glomerular filtration rates were significantly higher with EBK than SK at 12-months posttransplantation. At 1 year, graft survival for SK and EBK was 86% and 79%, respectively (P=1.000). Graft thrombosis occurred in 0% (0/9) of SK recipients in which an aortic cuff or conduit was used, 40% (2/5) of SK recipients without an aortic cuff, and 5% (1/19) of EBK recipients (P=0.03). CONCLUSION: Short-term outcomes of kidneys from small pediatric donors are satisfactory when transplanted as SKs or en bloc; however, the absence of an aortic patch in SK transplantation is a risk factor for early thrombosis.     

Risk factors for renal allograft survival from pediatric cadaver donors: an analysis of united network for organ sharing data

BACKGROUND: The shortage of cadaveric donors for kidney transplantation has prompted many centers to use cadaver kidneys from pediatric donors. Use of kidneys from pediatric donors has been shown to have a lower graft survival. METHODS: Recipients receiving cadaver kidneys from pediatric and adult donors between 1988 and 1995 were analyzed. The data were obtained from United Network of Organ Sharing database. The actuarial kidney transplant graft survival was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method. A logistic regression analysis was used to identify various risk factors for 1-year graft failure. Odds ratios (OR) were estimated for various risk factors. RESULTS: Kidney transplant survival rates for donor age <18 years (n=12,838) at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years were 81.5%, 76.3%, 71.3%, 66.4%, and 61.7%, respectively. The corresponding results for adult donors from age 18 to 50 years (n=35, 442) were 83.5%, 78.4%, 73.1%, 67.9%, and 62.4%, respectively, Log-rank test P<0.01. Pediatric donors were further divided into three groups according to donor age: group I (0-5 years), group II (6-11 years), and group III (12-17 years). The actuarial survival rates for 1, 3, and 5 years for group I (n=2198) were 73.6%, 63.3%, and 55.6%, respectively. The corresponding values for group II (n=2873) were 78.0%, 67.5%, and 57.8% and for group III (n=7767) were 85%, 75.0%, and 64.8%, respectively, P<0.01. Although the recipients of group I had lower graft survival, en bloc grafts (n=751) had much better 1-, 3-, and 5-year graft survival rates (76.3%, 67.7%, and 60.7%, respectively) compared with single grafts (n=1447; 72.2%, 61.1%, and 53.2%, P=0.02) from donors 0 to 5 years. Graft thrombosis as a cause of graft failure was seen in 10% of group I compared with 6% in group II and 5% in group III. In group I, lower OR were seen when an en bloc transplant was performed (0.688, P<0.01) and when donor body weight was>15 kg (0.547, P<0.01). However, OR were elevated in recipients of previous transplants (1.556, P<0.01), with prolonged cold ischemic time (1.097, P=0.03), for black recipients (1.288, P=0.03), and for recipients with body mass index> or =25 (1.286, P=0.02). Progressive increase in the donor age was associated with lower OR in group II (0.894, P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: (1) Overall, poorer graft survival was seen in pediatric donor transplants, (2) transplant kidney survival with en bloc kidneys was better than a single kidney from donors 0-5 years, (3) progressive increase in donor age was associated with improved graft survival when the donors were 6-11 years, whereas progressive increase in donor weight was associated with improved graft survival when the donors were 0-5 years.     

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.

Single Kidney Transplantation from Young Pediatric Donors in the United States

Kidney transplantation (KTX) from small pediatric donors is performed as single or en bloc. Criteria to determine when to split pediatric donor kidneys and transplant as singles are not well established. Data reported to the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipient for donors <10 yrs from 1995 to 2007 were reviewed (n = 5079). Donors were categorized by weight group by 5 kg increments and solitary (n = 3503) versus en bloc (n = 1576). The primary outcome was overall graft survival. Results were compared as adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) relative to ideal standard criteria donors (SCDs) (defined as age 18–39 without other risk factors), non‐ideal SCDs (all other SCDs) and expanded criteria donors (age 50–59 with other risk factors or age ≥60). Single KTX from donors ≥ 35 kg conferred a similar risk of graft survival as ideal SCDs. Of donors 10–34 kg, risks of en bloc KTX were similar to ideal and risks of single KTX to non‐ideal SCDs; single and en bloc KTXs had 7.9 and 5.2 graft losses per 100 follow‐up years, respectively. Single KTX from donors >35 kg are similar to ideal SCDs. Single KTX from donors 10–35 kg are similar to non‐ideal SCDs. From a resource perspective, pediatric donors 10–35 kg used as singles offer more cumulative graft years than when used en bloc.