Outcomes of delayed graft function in deceased donor kidney transplantation: a single center experience

Objective: Delayed graft function (DGF) is related to enhanced acute rejection attacks in the short term and reduced graft survival and reduced overall survival in the long-term. In this study, we desired to ascertain the outcomes of DGF. Material and Methods: This study is a retrospective cohort study. Two hundred seventy-four patients who underwent a kidney transplant from a deceased donor were included. DGF was described as obtaining dialysis treatment within the first week of transplant. The kidney recipients were divided into groups DGF+ (Group 1) and DGF- (Group 2). Two groups were compared in terms of risk factors which were based on donor and recipient characteristics. Short-term outcomes, long-term graft survival and recipient survival results were compared. Results: The incidence of DGF was 50.3%. The rate of donors with expanded criteria donor (ECD) was 37.3%. Mean glomerular filtration rate (GFR) at one year after kidney transplantation was 57.5 ml/dk/1.73m2 for Group 1, and 73 ml/dk/1.73m2 for Group 2 (p<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of graft loss and mortality at one year. There was no statistically significant difference between groups in terms of graft and recipient survival. Conclusion: DGF did not negatively impact graft survival and recipient survival at one year and long-term, although it was associated with prolonged hospitalization and increased acute rejection in the early period.