Second cadaveric kidney transplantations in the pediatric population

Objective

To evaluate the functional outcomes and complications among a series of second in comparison to first kidney transplantations in pediatric patients.

Materials and methods

We reviewed 163 consecutive kidney transplants in pediatric recipients performed from 1978 to present: 120 cases (69.3%) were first transplants (group A) and 43 (24.8%), second transplant (group B). We analyzed the incidences of delayed graft function (DGF), medical and surgical complications, as well as medium- and long-term graft survivals.

Results

We observed DGF among 51 group A patients (43%) versus 32.5% of group B. Ten patients suffered vascular complications in group A (8.3%) versus one in group B (2.3%) (P < .05). The 15-year graft survivals were 54.2% for group A and 45% for group B. The 15-year patient survivals were 84.9% in group A versus 93.6% in group B.

Conclusions

Second kidney transplantations for children are a satisfactory option that achieves good functional results as well as acceptable graft and patient survivals.