Outcomes In Renal Transplant Patients Research Articles

Long Noncoding RNAs in Urine Are Detectable and May Enable Early Detection of Acute T Cell-Mediated Rejection of Renal Allografts.

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are novel intracellular noncoding ribonucleotides regulating the genome and proteome. They are detectable in the blood of patients with acute kidney injury. We tested whether lncRNAs are present in urine and may serve as new predictors of outcome in renal transplant patients with acute rejection. A global lncRNA expression analysis was performed with RNA from urine of patients with acute T cell-mediated renal allograft rejection and control transplant patients. Deregulated lncRNAs were confirmed in kidney biopsies and urine in a validation cohort of 62 patients with acute rejection, 10 of them after successful antirejection therapy, and 31 control transplant patients. A global screen revealed several lncRNAs to be deregulated in urine of patients with acute rejection. Three intergenic lncRNAs, LNC-MYH13-3:1, RP11-395P13.3-001, and RP11-354P17.15-001, were most strongly altered. These were validated in the whole cohort of patients. RP11-395P13.3-001 and RP11-354P17.15-001 were upregulated in patients with acute rejection compared with controls. Only levels of RP11-354P17.15-001 normalized in patients with acute rejection after successful antirejection therapy. RP11-354P17.15-001 was associated with higher decline in glomerular filtration rate 1 year after transplantation. In vitro, in tubular epithelial cells, all lncRNAs were enriched by interleukin-6 treatment, but only RP11-395P13.3-001 and RP11-354P17.15-001 increased in cell culture supernatant, indicating that these lncRNAs might be secreted under inflammatory conditions. lncRNAs are strongly altered in urine of patients with acute rejection. Urinary RP11-354P17.15-001 may serve as a novel biomarker of acute kidney rejection, identifying patients with acute rejection and predicting loss of kidney function.

Subclinical Epstein - Barr Virus Viremia Is Associated With Decline GFR in Kidney Transplantation: Single Center Experience.

Purpose: Post-transplant viral infection is a known risk factor for graft dysfunction and malignancies including PTLD. However, the impact of subclinical Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection on allograft injury in the renal transplant population has not yet been well defined. Method: A single center study was conducted from Oct, 2012 to Apr, 2013.We assessed EBV viremia by PCR in 327 renal transplant recipients. Results: Subclinical EBV viremia occurred in 14.7%. A multivariable linear regression analysis suggested that subclinical EBV infections are significantly associated with declines in GFR (-2.34 ± 7.00 ml/min vs. 0.98 ± 8.17 ml/min, p<0.05), log proteinuria and duration since transplantation. Conclusion: Our data demonstrated that there is an association between subclinical EBV infections and adverse outcomes in renal transplant patients, despite appropriate post-transplant antiviral prophylaxis. These findings support the need for serial viral monitoring for better outcomes in renal transplant patients.

The Impact of Body Mass Index and Kidney Donor Risk Index on Clinical Outcomes in Renal Transplant Patients

The Impact of Body Mass Index and Kidney Donor Risk Index on Clinical Outcomes in Renal Transplant Patients

547: Pregnancy outcomes in renal transplant patients in a cohort of 7 million births

547: Pregnancy outcomes in renal transplant patients in a cohort of 7 million births

Microcirculation Inflammation Associates With Outcome in Renal Transplant Patients With De Novo Donor-Specific Antibodies

In renal transplant patients with de novo donor-specific antibodies (dnDSA) we studied the value of microcirculation inflammation (MI; defined by the addition of glomerulitis (g) and peritubular capillaritis (ptc) scores) to assess long-term graft survival in a retrospective cohort study. Out of all transplant patients with standard immunological risk (n = 638), 79 (12.4%) developed dnDSA and 58/79 (73%) had an indication biopsy at or after dnDSA development. Based on the MI score on that indication biopsy patients were categorized, MI0 (n = 26), MI1 + 2 (n = 21) and MI ≥ 3 (n = 11). The MI groups did not differ significantly pretransplantation, whereas posttransplantation higher MI scores developed more anti-HLA class I + II DSA (p = 0.011), showed more TCMR (p < 0.001) and showed a trend to C4d-positive staining (p = 0.059). Four-year graft survival estimates from time of indication biopsy were MI0 96.1%, MI1 + 2 76.1% and MI ≥ 3 17.1%; resulting in a 24-fold increased risk of graft failure in the MI ≥ 3 compared to the MI0 group (p = 0.003; 95% CI [3.0-196.0]). When adjusted for C4d, MI ≥ 3 still had a 21-fold increased risk of graft failure (p = 0.005; 95% CI [2.5-180.0]), while C4d positivity on indication biopsy lost significance. In renal transplant patients with de novo DSA, microcirculation inflammation, defined by g + ptc, associates with graft survival.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes in renal transplant recipients with renal cell carcinoma in the native kidney

Background/AimsWe investigated the incidence and clinical characteristics of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in the native kidney of renal transplant recipients.MethodsBetween 1991 and 2010, 1,425 patients underwent kidney transplantation at our institution. We retrospectively evaluated the clinical features and outcomes in renal transplant patients with RCC in the native kidney after renal transplantation.ResultsThe patients included three males and two females with a mean age of 63 years (range, 52 to 74). The incidence of RCC was 0.35%. The median interval between renal transplantation and RCC occurrence was 16.2 years (range, 9 to 20). All of our patients with RCC had developed renal cysts either before (n = 3) or after (n = 2) renal transplantation. The mean duration of dialysis was 12 months (range, 2 to 39). Of the five patients, four underwent dialysis treatment for less than 8 months. All the RCCs were low grade at the time of diagnosis. Four patients underwent radical nephrectomy, and one patient refused the operation. The four patients who underwent radical nephrectomy showed no evidence of local recurrence or distant metastasis during the median follow-up of 2.9 years. However, the patient who did not undergo surgery developed spinal metastasis from the RCC 6 years later.ConclusionsThis study suggests that the follow-up period is an important factor for the development of RCC in renal transplant recipients, and more vigorous screening with a longer follow-up period is required in renal transplant recipients.

Followup and Outcome of Renal Transplant Patients with Deceased after Cardiac Death Donors (DCD)

Introduction: Renal transplantation is the best cost effective treatment for end-stage renal failure and improves quality of life, when compared with dialysis. Prior to the introduction, in the mid 1970s of legislation defining the diagnosis of brain-stem death, transplant organs were removed from DCD. Despite renewed interest in DCD kidney transplantation, very few clinical programmes have been developed this type of grafting. We analyzed the function and outcome of kidney transplants performed from DCD in our hospital. Patients and methods: From 1999 until december 2011, 35 patients were grafted with kidneys from DCD. This group was compared with recipients of standard criteria donors (SCD) matched for age, sex, number of transplants and HLA. Immunosupression was performed with Basiliximab, Predinisone, Tacrolimus and Micophenolate Mofetil. Acute rejection episodes were treated with Methylprednisolone boluses, and ATG-FRESENIUS® when necessary. Results: The delayed graft function rate was higher on DCD transplants than in SCD graft. Serum creatinine levels was significantly better in the DCD, 1.5 mg/dl versus 1.75 mg/dl. Graft survival at 5 year was 84% in DCD and 85% in SCD. Patient survival in both groups was 100%. Patients grafted with DCD were hospitalized longer and needed more dialysis. Acute rejection episodes were more frequent in DCD. Conclusion: This source of kidneys has evidence of equivalent graft function and survival, compared with SCD and may contribute to expand de donor pool

Effect of perioperative blood transfusions on long term graft outcomes in renal transplant patients

It is established that blood transfusions will promote sensitization to human leucocyte antigen (HLA) antigens, increase time spent waiting for transplantation and may lead to higher rates of rejection. Less is known about how perioperative blood transfusion influence patient and graft outcome. This study aims to establish if there is an association between perioperative blood transfusion and graft or patient survival. This was a single center, national, retrospective cohort study. Data was collected on patients who received kidney transplants over a 14-year period (n = 2,013). The primary outcomes were graft survival and mortality in patients who received blood transfusions in the perioperative period compared to those who did not. Patients who received blood transfusions had lower hemoglobin levels, were more likely to be male, and had higher rates of delayed graft function compared to those who did not receive a transfusion. The one year graft survival of those transfused was 83% compared to 94% in those not transfused (p = < 0.0001). Adjustment for confounding showed that the receipt of a blood transfusion remained associated with increased graft loss. Hemoglobin levels prior to transfusion did not have an influence on graft outcome. Perioperative blood transfusion is associated with reduced long-term graft survival.

Urinary miR-210 as a Mediator of Acute T-Cell Mediated Rejection in Renal Allograft Recipients

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small ribonucleotides regulating gene expression. Circulating miRNAs are remarkably stable in the blood. We tested whether miRNAs are also detectable in urine and may serve as new predictors of outcome in renal transplant patients with acute rejection. We profiled urinary miRNAs of stable transplant patients and transplant patients with acute rejection. The miR-10a, miR-10b and miR-210 were strongly deregulated in urine of the patients with acute rejection. We confirmed these data in urine of a validation cohort of 62 patients with acute rejection, 19 control transplant patients without rejection and 13 stable transplant patients with urinary tract infection by quantitative RT-PCR. The miR-10b and miR-210 were downregulated and miR-10a upregulated in patients with acute rejection compared to controls. Only miR-210 differed between patients with acute rejection when compared to stable transplant patients with urinary tract infection or transplant patients before/after rejection. Low miR-210 levels were associated with higher decline in GFR 1 year after transplantation. Selected miRNAs are strongly altered in urine of the patients with acute renal allograft rejection. The miR-210 levels identify patients with acute rejection and predict long-term kidney function. Urinary miR-210 may thus serve as a novel biomarker of acute kidney rejection.

Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis Type I in Renal Transplantation Patients: A Single-Center Study of a Cohort of 68 Renal Transplants Followed Up for 11 Years

To evaluate the long-term outcome of renal transplant patients with membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) type I and the impact of recurrence. The outcomes of 68 renal transplants performed between 1976 and 2009 in 63 patients with MPGN were compared with those of 136 controls matched for time of transplantation, sex, age, and source of donors. The mean posttransplant follow-up was 131.3±83.8 months for patients with MPGN and 139.21±88.7 months for controls. At 15 years, patient survival rates were 76.2% in patients with MPGN and 78.8% in controls (P=ns), whereas pure graft survival rates were 68% in MPGN and 67.9% in controls (P=ns). MPGN recurred in 16 patients (23.5%) 44±30.3 months after transplant (range, 3.5-105 months). Of recurrent grafts, nine were lost for recurrence within 116.5±51.36 months, three patients died with functioning kidney, the other 4 grafts are functioning 156.7±47.5 months after transplantation. Graft survival at 15 years was 73.5% in nonrecurrent and 40.4% in recurrent patients (P=0.02). Patients with recurrence were younger at diagnosis of MPGN (17.64±5.02 years vs. 22.9±9.6 years; P=0.037) and had low C3 more frequently than nonrecurrent patients (75% vs. 28.8%; P=0.01). Proteinuria was higher in recurrent patients who lost the graft in comparison with those with functioning graft (7.14±4.05 vs. 2.86±1.95; P=0.02). The long-term patient and graft survival were similar in patients with MPGN and in controls. Recurrence occurred in one-fourth of patients and caused graft loss in 56%. Younger age at diagnosis of MPGN and low C3 during transplantation seems to be predictive of recurrence.

The impact of hepatitis C virus infection on long-term outcome in renal transplant patients

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of hepatitis C virus infection on patient and graft survival and liver function in renal transplant patients. 1811 renal transplant patients were included in this study. One hundred renal transplant patients (5.5%) were anti-hepatitis C virus-positive. We evaluated demographic, clinical, biochemical, and serological data of patients and compared patient and graft survivals between hepatitis C virus-positive and -negative renal transplant patients. The median follow-up period was 35.7 months. One hundred (5.5%) patients were anti-hepatitis C virus-positive. There were no differences between anti-hepatitis C virus-positive and -negative renal transplant patients regarding age, etiology of renal disease, number of pre-transplant blood transfusions, and hepatitis B virus coinfection rate. Rate of graft loss in anti-hepatitis C virus-positive renal transplant patients was significantly higher than in anti-hepatitis C virus-negative patients (16.0% vs. 9.2%, p=0.026). Survival analysis revealed that patient survival was similar between anti-hepatitis C virus-positive and -negative renal transplant patients. Graft survival was lower in the anti-hepatitis C virus-positive group than in anti-hepatitis C virus-negative patients, especially after the fifth year of renal transplant (p<0.001). Thirty-three percent of anti-hepatitis C virus-positive patients were positive for hepatitis C virus RNA. Twenty-seven percent of anti-hepatitis C virus-positive patients had persistent alanine aminotransferase elevation. None of the patients developed cirrhosis during the follow-up period. Our findings suggest that hepatitis C virus infection in renal transplant patients does not adversely affect patient survival. Long-term graft survival seems to be lower in hepatitis C virus-positive compared to hepatitis C virus-negative renal transplant patients. Nevertheless, renal transplant can be considered as a safe and effective treatment modality in anti-hepatitis C virus-positive patients with end-stage renal disease.

Clinical Insights for Cancer Outcomes in Renal Transplant Patients

The long-term fate of renal transplant recipients has remained relatively unchanged over the last 15 years. The cumulative, chronic effects of immunosuppression contribute, to a great extent, to the higher, premature mortality rates linked to cardiovascular disease and malignancy observed in this patient population. Immunosuppression disrupts both antitumor surveillance and antiviral activities, and oncogenic viruses predispose to specific malignancies. Further, some drugs promote carcinogenesis by mechanisms independent of their immunosuppressive effects. In vitro studies have shown that calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) promote tumor progression by a transforming growth factor-β-dependent mechanism. In contrast, in vivo mouse models have demonstrated that mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors inhibit metastatic tumor growth and angiogenesis. The association between mTOR-inhibitor and reduced malignancy has been demonstrated in several studies. United Network for Organ Sharing registry data demonstrate that an mTOR-inhibitor either with or without a CNI, is associated with a reduced incidence of tumors compared to regimens that do not utilize mTOR-inhibitor Five years after renal transplantation, patients in the Rapamune Maintenance Regimen study who received sirolimus (SRL)-based CNI-free therapy after cyclosporine (CsA) withdrawal at 3 months showed a reduced incidence of malignancy compared with those who continued a regimen including (CsA) In the CONVERT study, patients who converted to SRL displayed a significantly lower malignancy rate (3.8%) at 24 months compared with those who continued CNI based therapy (11%; P < .001). A randomized, prospective study to evaluate the effect of conversion to SRL from a CNI, compared with continued CNI, showed that SRL was associated with a lower rate of nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) and a longer time to first biopsy-confirmed new NMSC. An mTOR-inhibitor CNI-free regimen should be considered for transplant recipients at high risk for cancer development and for those who develop malignancies over the posttransplant course.

Macrophage activation is associated with poorer long‐term outcomes in renal transplant patients

Long-term graft and patient survival after renal transplantation are largely determined by progression of chronic allograft dysfunction and cardiovascular disease. Inflammation plays a crucial role in both disease processes. We prospectively analyzed the association of early peri-transplant inflammatory burden on long-term outcomes in 144 consecutive deceased donor renal allograft recipients. Single time point and cumulative levels of markers of acute phase response (serum amyloid A [SAA] and C-reactive protein [SCRP]) and macrophage activation (serum and urine neopterin) were measured daily during the immediate post-operative period. Mean patient follow-up was 16 yr. Graft and patient survival rates at one-, five-, and 10-yr were 90%, 70%, and 51%, and 97%, 77%, and 59%, respectively. Graft loss occurred in 90 patients, of whom 71 died with a functioning graft and 19 returned to dialysis. CRP, SAA and neopterin (NEOP) levels were all elevated post-operatively. High levels of NEOP, in contrast to SAA or SCRP, were associated with poorer graft and patient survival (p < 0.05), specifically with death from cardiovascular events and cytomegalovirus IgG positivity. These findings strongly suggest that early post-transplant macrophage activation, as reflected by NEOP levels, is associated with poorer long-term graft and patient survival.

Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analysis of enteric‐coated mycophenolate sodium: limited sampling strategies and clinical outcome in renal transplant patients

Pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) monitoring strategies and clinical outcome were evaluated in enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium (EC-MPS)-treated renal allograft recipients. PK [mycophenolic acid (MPA)] and PD [inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) activity] data were analysed in 66 EC-MPS and ciclosporin A (CsA)-treated renal allograft recipients. Adverse events were considered in a follow-up period of 12 weeks. Analyses confirmed a limited sampling strategy (LSS) consisting of PK and PD data at predose, 1, 2, 3 and 4 h after oral intake as an appropriate sampling method (MPA r(2)= 0.812; IMPDH r(2)= 0.833). MPA AUC(0-12) of patients with early biopsy-proven acute rejection was significantly lower compared with patients without a rejection (median MPA AUC(0-12) 28 microg*h ml(-1) (7-45) vs. 40 microg*h ml(-1) (16-130), P < 0.01), MPA AUC(0-12) of patients with recurrent infections was significantly higher compared with patients without infections (median MPA AUC(0-12) 65 microg*h ml(-1) (range 37-130) vs. 37 microg*h ml(-1) (range 7-120), P < 0.005). Low 12-h IMPDH enzyme activity curve (AEC(0-12)) was associated with an increased frequency of gastrointestinal side-effects (median IMPDH AEC(0-12) 43 nmol*h mg(-1) protein h(-1)[range 12-67) vs. 75 nmol*h mg(-1) protein h(-1) (range 15-371), P < 0.01]. Despite highly variable absorption data, an appropriate LSS might be estimated by MPA AUC(0-4) and IMPDH AEC(0-4) in renal transplant patients treated with EC-MPS and CsA. Regarding adverse events, the suggested MPA-target AUC(0-12) from 30 to 60 microg*h ml(-1) seems to be appropriate in renal allograft recipients.

Lack of Benefit of Early Protocol Biopsies in Renal Transplant Patients Receiving TAC and MMF: A Randomized Study

We conducted a randomized, multicenter study to determine whether treatment of subclinical rejection with increased corticosteroids resulted in beneficial outcomes in renal transplant patients receiving tacrolimus (TAC), mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and prednisone. One hundred and twenty-one patients were randomized to biopsies at 0,1,2,3 and 6 months (Biopsy arm), and 119 to biopsies at 0 and 6 months only (Control arm). The primary endpoint of the study was the prevalence of the sum of the interstitial and tubular scores (ci + ct)> 2 (Banff) at 6 months. Secondary endpoints included clinical and subclinical rejection and renal function. At 6 months, 34.8% of the Biopsy and 20.5% of the Control arm patients had a ci + ct score >or= 2 (p = 0.07). Between months 0 and 6, clinical rejection episodes were 12 in 10 Biopsy arm patients and 8 in 8 Control arm patients (p = 0.44). Overall prevalence of subclinical rejection in the Biopsy arm was 4.6%. Creatinine clearance at 6 months was 72.9 +/- 21.7 in the Biopsy and 68.90 mL/min +/- 18.35 mL/min in the Control arm patients (p = 0.18). In conclusion, we found no benefit to the procurement of early protocol biopsies in renal transplant patients receiving TAC, MMF and prednisone, at least in the short term. This is likely due to their low prevalence of subclinical rejection.

Evolução clínica pós-stent coronariano em pacientes submetidos a transplante de rim

To assess the clinical outcome of renal transplant patients who developed coronary artery disease and were treated with coronary stenting (TCA-ST). A total of 3,334 renal transplants were performed in our service--Hospital do Rim e Hipertensão--HRH (Kidney and Hypertension Hospital) from July, 1998 to November, 2004. During this period, 33 of the renal transplant patients underwent TCA-ST to treat 62 severe stenoses in 54 coronary arteries. A retrospective analysis was performed with renal transplant patients undergoing TCA-ST at HRH. The clinical events were registered using medical charts, medical visits and phone calls. During the 30-month clinical follow-up after TCA-ST, 67% of the patients remained asymptomatic, 18% presented stable angina, 6% presented acute coronary syndrome without ST-segment elevation (ACSWSTE), and 3% presented acute coronary syndrome with ST-segment elevation (ACSSTE). No strokes, CHF or cardiac deaths were observed. Three non-cardiac deaths occurred. A restenosis rate of 9% was observed, which is comparable to those found in studies on drug-eluting stents. In conclusion, renal transplant patients who developed CAD and were treated with coronary stenting had a low rate of in-stent restenosis, probably related to the immunosuppressive regimen given to prevent kidney rejection.

Intravenous Immunoglobulin as a Treatment for BK Virus Associated Nephropathy: One-Year Follow-Up of Renal Allograft Recipients

BK virus associated nephropathy (BKVAN) has emerged as an important cause of renal allograft dysfunction and graft loss. Although several treatment strategies have been proposed, the rate of graft loss remains high. We studied the outcome of renal transplant patients with BKVAN treated with IVIG. After 11.4 +/- 3.9 months (mean +/- SEM) from the time of transplantation, 8 renal allograft recipients were diagnosed with BKVAN. In addition to a reduction of immunosuppressive therapy, patients received 2 g/kg IVIG. After a mean follow-up of 15 months, all except one patient are currently off dialysis. In summary, after IVIG therapy, 88% of patients still have functioning grafts, although renal function continues to be impaired. The benefit of concomitant IVIG and reduction of immunosuppressive therapy in BKVAN needs to be further addressed in randomized, multicentered trials.

Enteric-coated Mycophenolate Sodium (myfortic??): An Overview of Current and Future Use in Transplantation

Mycophenolic acid (MPA) exerts a potent immunosuppressive effect via a number of distinct mechanisms. Use of the mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) formulation is associated with significant efficacy benefits, but gastrointestinal adverse events frequently necessitate dose reductions, interruptions or discontinuation. Enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium (EC-MPS) delays the release of MPA until the small intestine. Pivotal trials in renal transplant patients have demonstrated equivalent efficacy and safety of EC-MPS and MMF. The myfortic® Prospective Multicenter Study (myPROMS) is an international clinical trial of EC-MPS, with 14 subprotocols and 1700 patients, in de novo and maintenance renal transplant patients receiving cyclosporine, with or without corticosteroids. Results from three myPROMS studies have confirmed that maintenance patients can be safely converted from MMF to EC-MPS. Evidence from the US and European myPROMS studies have shown that EC-MPS and cyclosporine provide good efficacy with a favorable safety profile (including gastrointestinal tolerability) regardless of whether higher or lower cyclosporine C2 targets are used. In terms of quality of life, interim results from the Patient Reported Outcomes in renal transplant patients with or without GastroIntestinal Symptoms (PROGIS) study suggest that the conversion of MMF-treated patients with gastrointestinal complaints to EC-MPS may be associated with a significant improvement in gastrointestinal burden, health-related quality of life and psychological well-being. However these data will need to be confirmed in a true controlled trial. Only limited data from clinical trials of EC-MPS in non-renal transplantation are currently available.

Renal Anemia Aggravated by Long-Term Parvovirus B19 and Cytomegalovirus Infection in a Renal Transplant Patient: Case Report and Evaluation of B19 Seroprevalence in Dialysis Patients

Due to viral replication in erythroid precursor cells, severe anemia represents a major complication of B19 infection. However, cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the leading cause of virus-induced complications with a significant impact on graft outcome of renal transplant patients. Herein, we present a long-term B19 infection in a 45-year-old female renal transplant patient, which aggravated the renal anemia associated with a concomitant CMV infection. Since no data were available on the seroprevalence of this virus in pretransplant patients, we determined the B19 serostatus of 90 dialyzed pretransplant adult subjects.

Does Pretransplant Obesity Affect the Outcome in Kidney Transplant Recipients?

The effect of obesity on renal transplant outcome remains unclear due to conflicting published studies. The purpose of this study was to assess whether obesity affects the outcome in renal transplant patients. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 33 obese (BMI >30; mean = 34.1 ± 3.68; group I) and 35 nonobese (BMI ≤ 30; mean = 23.6 ± 3.18; group II) renal transplants performed at our center between March 1999 to December 2002. These two groups were well matched with respect to age, sex, donor source, hypertension, diabetes, ischemic heart disease, hyperlipidemia, native kidney disease (PCKD, 6 vs 4; diabetic, 5 vs 4; glomerulonephritis, 6 vs 7; FSGS, 2 vs 2 and IgA, 2 vs 7), HLA mismatch and immunosuppressants medications (Neoral, 21 vs 25; tacrolimus, 11 vs 10; Cellcept, 28 vs 31; Prednisone, 33 vs 35; ATG, 7 vs 8; Basiliximab, 14 vs 13 and Rapamycin, 5 vs 2, groups I and II, respectively). Follow-up was from 7 months to 4.4 years. Results Significant differences were noted in operating time, wound infection, perinephric hematoma, lymphocele, and number of hospital days. There were no significant differences between the two groups in the incidence of wound dehiscence, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, atelectasis, urine leak, delayed graft function, acute rejection rate, and the following posttransplant variables: diabetes mellitus, myocardial infarction, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and incisional hernia. We conclude that obesity significantly increases operating time, wound complications, and hospitalizations.