Long-term Results of Kidney Transplantation: Analysis of Selected Factors

Abstract

BackgroundKidney transplantation is considered the most effective method of treating patients with end-stage renal disease. Despite continuous improvement of short-term outcomes, progression of long-term results is minimal. MethodsThe retrospective cohort study included 45 patients (24 women and 21 men). Terms of qualification for the study were time after kidney transplantation: minimum 25 years and satisfactory graft function. Medical documentation was analyzed from which specific laboratory parameters, information about transplantation procedure, and clinical data were selected. ResultsThe average time since transplantation in the study group was 30 years. Chronic glomerulonephritis was a major cause that led to end-stage renal disease among the study group. The average age of the respondents was 62 years ± 8.5 years. The average time patients had hemodialysis procedures lasted 30 months. Current estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) concentration was correlated with level of creatinine measured 10 years after transplantation and current hemoglobin level (r = 0.447, P = .003, r = 0.586 P < .001). No statistically significant differences were noted in the eGFR level, depending on the current age of recipients (t = 0.511, P = .612), total ischemia time (Z = 0.334, P = .729), or hemodialysis duration (t = -1.944, P = .058). ConclusionsThe presented study emphasizes the impact of graft function on hemoglobin level and the predictive role of the creatinine measured 10 years after transplantation for long-term renal outcomes. Continuing research will enrich the knowledge about long-term care and treatment for patients after kidney transplantation.