Prognostic utility of preimplantation kidney biopsy from deceased older donors in first year post-transplant renal function.

BACKGROUND: Preimplantation renal biopsy provides potentially valuable information about post-transplant renal function. OBJECTIVE: To assess the prognostic value of preimplantation kidney biopsy from older donors in determining 1-year post-transplant estimated glomerular filtration rate MDRD-4 (eGFR). METHODS: We evaluated a cohort of 124 renal transplant recipients from deceased donors ≥60 years old, performed at our center between March 2008 and May 2012. Biopsies were assessed by applying the score proposed by O'Valle et al. The overall score was stratified into 3 levels: 0-3, 4-5 and 6-8 points. Kidneys scoring > 8 points were discarded. A total of 77% of the donors were ≥70 years. RESULTS: One year post-transplant, mean eGFR (SD) was lower in transplant recipients with 6-8 points (38.5 [14.1] mL/min/1.73m(2)) than in the group scoring 4-5 points (46.3 [15.7] [p=0.03]) and the group scoring 0-3 (49.6 [12.5] [P=.04]). Seven patients (19%) had eGFR <30mL/min/1.73m(2) 1 year post-transplant in group 6-8 vs. 8 (14%) in group 4-5 and none in group 0-3. In the logistic regression, OR (95% IC), to determine patients with 1-year post-transplant eGFR (<30mL/min/1.73m(2)), delayed graft function (6.3 [1.9-21.3]) and acute rejection (5.8 [1.1-31]), were significant. The adjusted OR of biopsy score group 6-8 vs. 0-5, was 2.2 (0.7-7.3). CONCLUSIONS: Allografts with higher pathologic score in preimplantation renal biopsy were associated with a worse 1-year post-transplant eGFR. Delayed graft function and acute rejection were significant risk factors for 1-year post-transplant low eGFR.