title: Efficacy of early biopsy in kidney allograft recipients with delayed graft function.
abstract: It is accepted that kidney transplants that display delayed graft function (DGF) show poorer survival and function, particularly when an acute rejection episode (ARE) occurs. A diagnostic biopsy to establish the reason for DGF, or acknowledge an ARE, even if borderline, can improve short- and long-term graft survivals. From January 2002 to September 2006 we retrospectively evaluated 358 kidney transplant recipients. We performed a biopsy to evaluate the cause of DGF in all patients who required dialysis, or had serum creatinine levels that increased, remained unchanged, or decreased less than 10% per day on three consecutive days during the first week after transplantation. An ARE was found in 18.8% (n = 19) of the biopsies. Early biopsy for patients with DGF is a safe method that allows uncovering of an ARE that would otherwise be undetected. The immediate recognition and treatment of rejection episodes can certainly increase long-term survival and function of renal transplants.
authors: Department of Nephrology and Transplant, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK. carmelo.puliatti@cardiffandvale.wales.nhs.uk
authors: C
authors: C
authors: Puliatti
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Rizzello
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Ilham
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Asderakis
mesh_terms: D000961:Antilymphocyte Serum / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001706:Biopsy; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007677:Kidney Function Tests; D016030:Kidney Transplantation / Q000473:pathology* / Q000502:physiology*; D013997:Time Factors; D014184:Transplantation, Homologous / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000961:Antilymphocyte Serum; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents