Popliteal endarterectomy at the leg level with venous enlargement patch: about 14 cases.

The incidence of lesions of the popliteal artery below the knee constitutes one of the greatest problems in revascularization of the lower limb. Firstly, this segment constitutes the departure of the leg tripod, decisive crossroads for a subsequent endovascular intervention. On the other hand, it constitutes a fairly used relay point in the event of an indication for a pedal bypass. It is assumed that the performance of a popliteal endarterectomy with an enlargement by medial approach in patients with a localized lesion at this level constitutes an effective therapeutic approach and can facilitate any gesture of crural bypass or endovascular dilation later. We present a retrospective review of all patients who underwent popliteal endarterectomy with venous patch plasty for localized popliteal disease in our institution over the past 3 years.

Consensus on definition and severity grading of lymphatic complications after kidney transplantation.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of lymphatic complications after kidney transplantation varies considerably in the literature. This is partly because a universally accepted definition has not been established. This study aimed to propose an acceptable definition and severity grading system for lymphatic complications based on their management strategy. METHODS: Relevant literature published in MEDLINE and Web of Science was searched systematically. A consensus for definition and a severity grading was then sought between 20 high-volume transplant centres. RESULTS: Lymphorrhoea/lymphocele was defined in 32 of 87 included studies. Sixty-three articles explained how lymphatic complications were managed, but none graded their severity. The proposed definition of lymphorrhoea was leakage of more than 50 ml fluid (not urine, blood or pus) per day from the drain, or the drain site after removal of the drain, for more than 1 week after kidney transplantation. The proposed definition of lymphocele was a fluid collection of any size near to the transplanted kidney, after urinoma, haematoma and abscess have been excluded. Grade A lymphatic complications have a minor and/or non-invasive impact on the clinical management of the patient; grade B complications require non-surgical intervention; and grade C complications require invasive surgical intervention. CONCLUSION: A clear definition and severity grading for lymphatic complications after kidney transplantation was agreed. The proposed definitions should allow better comparisons between studies.

ANTECEDENTES: La incidencia de complicaciones linfáticas tras el trasplante renal (post-kidney-transplantation lymphatic, PKTL) varía considerablemente en la literatura. Esto se debe en parte a que no se ha establecido una definición universalmente aceptada. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo proponer una definición aceptable para las complicaciones PKTL y un sistema de clasificación de la gravedad basado en la estrategia de tratamiento. MÉTODOS: Se realizó una búsqueda sistemática de la literatura relevante en MEDLINE y Web of Science. Se logró un consenso para la definición y la clasificación de gravedad de las PKTL entre veinte centros de trasplante de alto volumen. RESULTADOS: En 32 de los 87 estudios incluidos se definía la linforrea/linfocele. Sesenta y tres artículos describían como se trataban las PKTL, pero ninguno calificó la gravedad de las mismas. La definición propuesta para la linforrea fue la de un débito diario superior a 50 ml de líquido (no orina, sangre o pus) a través del drenaje o del orificio cutáneo tras su retirada, más allá del 7º día postoperatorio del trasplante renal. La definición propuesta para linfocele fue la de una colección de líquido de tamaño variable adyacente al riñón trasplantado, tras haber descartado un urinoma, hematoma o absceso. Las PKTL de grado A fueron aquellas con escaso impacto o que no requirieron tratamiento invasivo; las PKTL de grado B fueron aquellas que precisaron intervención no quirúrgica y las PKTL de grado C aquellas en que fue necesaria la reintervención quirúrgica. CONCLUSIÓN: Se propone una definición clara y una clasificación de gravedad basada en la estrategia de tratamiento de las PKTLs. La definición propuesta y el sistema de calificación en 3 grados son razonables, sencillos y fáciles de comprender, y servirán para estandarizar los resultados de las PKTL y facilitar las comparaciones entre los diferentes estudios.

Successful Simultaneous Pancreas-Kidney Re-transplantation in a Highly Human Leukocyte Antigen-Sensitized Patient.

BACKGROUND: The waiting time for re-transplantation for sensitized patients is greatly prolonged, given the lack of transplants that are available for this group and additional immunologic barriers. We report the case of a successful re-transplantation in a patient with very high levels of panel reactive antibodies ([PRA] >85%). METHODS: A 45-year-old woman had repetitive rejections after simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation, with consequent loss of function of both transplanted organs. Because of a symptomatic episode of kidney rejection, additional removal of the transplanted kidney was performed 6 years later. Because our patient had a very high PRA level, she was enrolled in a desensitization protocol. The regimen was based on an initial single dose of rituximab, followed by repetitive plasmapheresis/immune-absorption sessions and intravenous substitution of immunoglobulin. Eight cycles were required, until a cross-match test was negative (PRA level <50%). The protocol included prednisolone and weight-adapted thymoglobulin. The basic immunosuppressive medication consisted of prednisolone, tacrolimus, and mycophenolate mofetil. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful. RESULTS: Preoperative treatment is essential for sensitized patients. There are no prospective, randomized trials comparing all suggested desensitization protocols. The main tenets of every approach are plasmapheresis and intravenous substitution of immunoglobulin, which appear to have a strong immunomodulatory effect. In the case of re-transplantation, the clinical surgeon not only faces special technical and surgical challenges but also must confront immunologic barriers. CONCLUSIONS: Pancreas-kidney transplantation in patients with high PRA levels is feasible and can be performed successfully with novel desensitization protocols.

Predicting quality of deceased donor kidneys: the harvesting surgeon as a prognostic factor?

INTRODUCTION: The quality of donor organs is a crucial factor with regard to graft survival and function in kidney transplant recipients. The prognostic importance of surgeon-related factors during organ harvesting on graft quality has been almost unknown. Our aim was to find out whether surgical expertise as reflected by the time required for kidney retrieval influences graft survival. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we analyzed the records of 200 patients who received a cadaveric renal graft at our institution between 2000 and 2005. Graft survival and function were examined at discharge and after 1, 2, 3, and 5 years post-transplantation with the estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) using the Cockroft-Gault formula as a surrogate marker. We gathered the pertinent data on harvesting procedures from Eurotransplant donor reports. We correlated the length of time from cold organ perfusion to nephrectomy with graft survival. Statistical evaluation was performed using correlation analysis. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant correlation between the time the surgeon needed for kidney retrieval (starting from cold perfusion) and the outcome of transplantation. CONCLUSION: It would seem to be obvious that the longer a cadaveric donor kidney remains in the donor's body after cold perfusion, the worse the outcome will be. Our findings, however, did not prove this hypothesis even when looking at abdominal and combined abdominal and thoracic harvesting procedures separately.

[Chemotherapy-associated steatohepatitis in patients with colorectal cancer and surgery on hepatic metastasis: clinical validation of a histopathological scoring system and preoperative risk assessment]. / Chemotherapieassoziierte Leberveränderungen bei Patienten mit kolorektalem Karzinom und operativer Entfernung von Lebermetastasen: Evaluierung eines histopathologischen Scores und Erhebung präoperativer Risikofaktoren.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) can only be cured by complete resection of the tumour. Primarily unresectable metastases of the liver are treated by chemotherapy to achieve down-sizing of metastasis and curative resection. Chemotherapy can affect tumour-free healthy liver tissue and lead to histopathological and functional changes summarised as "chemotherapy-associated steatohepatitis" (CASH). We have evaluated a histopathological scoring system for CASH and searched for preoperative risk factors for the development of CASH. Liver alterations such as CASH were more pronounced when patients received chemotherapy, especially when treated with oxaliplatin. A higher BMI, male sex and elevated serum transaminases were risk factors for the development of CASH. Patients with a higher CASH score, reflecting more advanced changes in liver tissue, had a higher serum peak bilirubin level postoperatively. We did not find a higher morbidity or mortality in patients with a more severe liver damage measured by the CASH score.

Preprocurement pancreas allocation suitability score does not correlate with long-term pancreas graft survival.

BACKGROUND: Within recent years, more marginal donors have been offered to Eurotransplant. To help identify suitable pancreas donors, the Eurotransplant Pancreas Advisory Committee introduced a donor score system (P-PASS). Little is known about the influence of P-PASS on long-term pancreas graft survival. METHODS: From June 1994 to September 2009, we performed 405 pancreas transplantations. In a retrospective study we analyzed P-PASS in 318 cases. Pancreas grafts from donors with P-PASS < 17 (n = 146) analyzed for graft and patient survival as well as for surgical complications were compared with donors of a PASS > or = 17 (n = 172). The mean follow-up was 7.2 +/- 4.3 years. RESULTS: Recipient characteristics were comparable in both groups. Mean P-PASS was 16.7 +/- 2.7 for both groups: 14.3 +/- 1.5 for P-PASS < 17 and 18.8 +/- 1.6 for P-PASS > or = 17. Pancreas graft survival rates for 1, 5, and 10 years were 85%, 77%, and 73% among P-PASS < 17 and 81%, 73%, and 64% among P-PASS > or = 17 groups (P = .12). There were 12 (8.2%) cases of venous thrombosis in the <17 group and 22 (12.7%) in the > or =17 group (P < .05). The relaparotomy rate was significant higher (38.7% vs 28.7%) and duration of hospital treatment longer (40.2 vs 32 days) in the P-PASS > or = 17 group (P < .05). There was no significant difference in patient or kidney graft survival between groups. CONCLUSIONS: The data demonstrated that utilization of pancreas grafts from donors with a P-PASS > or = 17 resulted in good overall outcomes and could expand the organ donor pool. There was no correlation between P-PASS and long-term patient or graft outcome. Complications requiring relaparotomy were more frequent among patients after transplantation from donors with higher P-PASS.

Modified release tacrolimus in de novo immunosuppression after simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation--a first single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: Modified release tacrolimus is a new, once-daily oral formulation of the established immunosuppressive agent tacrolimus. Little is known about de novo immunosuppression after simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation using modified release tacrolimus. METHODS: To test the feasibility of modified release tacrolimus in simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation (SPK), we conducted a prospective study of 14 consecutive transplants using modified release tacrolimus (Advagraf, ADV), mycophenolate mofetil, and low-dose corticosteroids as the initial immunosuppressive regimen. Patient and graft survival, the rates of acute rejection, graft function as well as ADV dosages, and trough levels (C(min)) were investigated after a mean follow-up time of 11.0 +/- 3.1 months. RESULTS: Overall patient, kidney, and pancreas graft survival were 100%, 100%, and 93%, respectively. One pancreas graft was lost owing to vascular graft thrombosis 2 days after transplantation. The incidence of rejection episodes at 11 months was 38%. ADV was well tolerated in the majority of patients. Only in 1 case tacrolimus (ADV) was stopped because of psychotic symptoms. In week 2 and 3 posttransplant, a significant adjustment in the ADV dosage was necessary to achieve sufficient tacrolimus trough levels. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this case series report demonstrate that patients after SPK can be safely treated with modified release tacrolimus. Further studies are needed to investigate pharmacokinetic profiles of modified release tacrolimus after SPK.

En bloc retroperitoneal pancreas-kidney transplantation with duodenoduodenostomy using pediatric organs.

BACKGROUND: Given the shortage of organ donors, there is a critical need to use all available pancreas grafts for transplantation. In the Eurotransplant region, only 26% of all offered pancreas grafts were transplanted during 2007. Pediatric donors are rarely used in pancreas transplantation. METHODS: In this case report, we describe a retroperitoneal en bloc pancreas-kidney transplantation (SPK) with systemic venous anastomosis and duodenoduodenostomy using grafts from an 11-year-old child. The bloc was transplanted in a 42-year-old type I diabetic patient with end-stage renal disease. The proximal end of the aortic graft was closed. Arterial anastomosis was performed end-to-end between right internal iliac artery and the aortic graft because of severe atherosclerosis. Donor portal vein and donor renal vein were anastomosed separately end-to-side to recipient inferior vena cava. Exocrine drainage was carried out with a side-to-side duodenoduodenostomy. Both grafts were in the retroperitoneal position. RESULTS: The pancreas graft functioned immediately, the kidney graft resumed function at 7 days posttransplantation. Graft function was excellent over a follow-up of 18 months. The patient had no episodes of acute rejection or graft dysfunction, no severe infections, and no additional morbidity from the modified technique of retroperitoneal pancreas transplantation using duodenoduodenostomy. CONCLUSIONS: This case indicates that pediatric donors could be used more frequently in pancreas transplantation for adult recipients and could increase the organ donor pool. En bloc SPK is a feasible and safe technique. Further studies are required to confirm the benefits of a retroperitoneal SPK using duodenoduodenostomy.

Laparoscopic radioisotope-guided sentinel lymph node mapping and excision of the rectum--an experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Patients with a low-risk T1 rectal carcinoma can undergo the therapy of a local excision. In these patients the lymph node (LN) status remains unknown. There is a potential risk of up to 7% for nodal metastasis. To investigate the possibility of using the sentinel lymph node (SLN) concept, an experimental study on pigs was undertaken. The objective was to laparoscopically identify and extract SLNs from the rectum using a radioisotope (RI). METHODS: The experiment was conducted in 30 pigs, since the sample size calculation indicated that with 30 animals a two-sided 95% confidence interval for a single proportion using the large sample normal approximation would extend at most 0.107 from the observed proportion of 0.9. One milliliter of a mixture of the RI Technetium 99 m (Tc99 m) and patent blue V dye was administered in the rectum endoscopically and after the lapse of 1 h, we laparoscopically identified and excised all SLNs using a laparoscopic gamma camera probe. RESULTS: We found in all operated pigs (n = 30) at least one SLN (lymph node with highest measured counts per second (cps)). In mean we detected 1.6 SLN (range one to three SLNs). In 28 cases, the SLN concept was successful. Sensitivity for detecting SLNs was 93% (n = 28/30), the probe count rate ranged from 600-10,000 cps with a median of 3,800. CONCLUSION: Minimal invasive mapping and excision of SLN of the rectum using a RI is feasible. The sensitivity for detecting SLN was high (93%). The application of this procedure on humans seems to be possible.

[Pancreas and islet transplantation. The role in the treatment of diabetes mellitus]. / Pankreas- und Inseltransplantation : Stellenwert in der Therapie des Diabetes mellitus.

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease often leading to microvascular and macrovascular complications. There is evidence that better glycemic control by intensive insulin treatment effectively delays onset and slows the progression of diabetic complications. Despite great investigations and improvements in islet transplantation, long-term insulin independence has not been achieved in the majority of patients. Currently the only reliable option for establishing durable normoglycemia in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus is whole pancreas transplantation. Simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation (SPK) has become the therapy of choice for patients with end-stage renal disease and type 1 diabetes mellitus. Over the past 20 years, outcomes of SPK have improved significantly to the point that the majority of recent data demonstrate long-term survival benefits and some protection from progressing secondary complications.

Long-term results after simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation using donors aged 45 years or older.

UNLABELLED: With the shortage of organ donors, there is a critical need to use all available pancreas grafts for transplantation. METHODS: From June 1994 to December 2006 we performed 340 pancreas transplantations (317 simultaneous pancreas-kidney 5 pancreas only, 18 pancreas after kidney) including 69 (20%) transplantations from donors aged 45 years or older. Pancreas grafts from older donors were analyzed for graft and patient survival as well as surgical complications, compared with results from younger donors. RESULTS: Recipient characteristics were comparable in both groups. The older donor group mean age was 47.8 years (+/-2.1) versus 27.9 years (+/-10.3) for the younger group. Cumulative patient survival was 96% versus 98% after 1, 82% versus 91% after 5 and 82% versus 88% after 10 years with 1-5- and 10-year kidney graft survivals of 82%, 72%, 57% versus 93%, 83%, 73%, respectively. Pancreas transplant survival after 1, 5, and 10 years were 69%, 60%, 45% in older and 88%, 76%, and 72% in younger donor cohorts. There were 14 (20%) cases of venous thrombosis in the older group and 25 (9%) in the younger group (P = .012). CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated that utilization of pancreas grafts from donors over 45 years resulted in acceptable outcomes after simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant and could expand the donor pool. Among the older donor group, patient survival was slightly lower than the younger group, whereas pancreas graft function was significantly inferior (P < .01). Since venous thrombosis was the main reason for pancreas graft loss in older group, anticoagulation is essential.

[Morbidity and mortality of kidney and pancreas transplantation. Analysis of 810 transplantations at one center]. / Morbidität und Letalität der Nieren- und Pankreastransplantation. Single-Center-Analyse von 810 Transplantationen.

BACKGROUND: Simultaneous pancreas kidney transplantation (SPK) is well established in the treatment of patients with type 1 diabetes and end-stage renal disease, but despite improved surgical techniques morbidity is still high. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of morbidity and mortality after first-time kidney transplantation (KTA: kidney transplant alone), pancreas transplantation (PTA: pancreas transplant alone), and SPK in a total of 810 patients was undertaken in our institution between January 1993 and December 2005. RESULTS: Of the total of 810 patients who had first-time transplantations, 524 underwent KTA, 4 underwent PTA, and 282 underwent SPK. Morbidity and mortality was significantly higher in SPK than in KTA (p < 0.05). Risk of early postoperative loss of a transplant organ was higher in SPK than in KTA, and there were more re-operations in SPK than in KTA (p < 0.05). More patients had infections infections after SPK than after KTA (p < 0.001). There were 23.0 % wound infections in SPK and 11.8 % in KTA (p < 0.05). Organ rejection occurred in 18.1 % of the patients after SPK and in 13.4 % after KTA (p = 0.07). At the time of discharge 95.0 % of KTA patients did no longer need dialysis treatment, compared with 97.1 % of SPK patients, of whom 88 % became insulin independent. One-year organ survival rate was 88 % in KTA patients and 89 % (kidney) and 86 % (pancreas) in SPK patients. CONCLUSION: Morbidity and mortality rates are still high after SPK. Excellent 1- and 5-year organ survival rates favor the use of SPK in type 1 diabetics associated with end-stage renal disease.

Nitric oxide restores impaired healing in normoglycaemic diabetic rats.

OBJECTIVE: Hyperglycaemia impairs wound healing. However, little is known about the underlying cellular mechanisms that lead to diminished wound repair in insulin-controlled and non-insulin-controlled diabetes. This study investigated the role of endogenous and exogenous nitric oxide on incisional wound healing in diabetic rats. METHOD: Groups of 10 wild-typeWistar control rats - 10 genetically diabetic BioBreeding rats and 10 genetically diabetic BioBreeding rats treated with subcutaneous insulin implants to render them normoglycaemic - underwent dorsal skin incision followed by subcutaneous insertion of polyvinyl alcohol sponges. The rats were sacrificed 10 days later to determine the wound-breaking strength and reparative collagen deposition. Nitric oxide, an important mediator in diabetic wound healing and collagen synthesis, was measured in wound fluid. Wound-derived fibroblasts were tested for ex vivo synthesis of nitric oxide and collagen. Exogenous nitric oxide was used for the therapeutic interventions. RESULTS: Wound-breaking strength and wound collagen deposition were significantly impaired in the hyperglycaemic diabetic animals (p<0.01). Wound nitric-oxide synthesis and ex vivo wound fibroblast nitric-oxide production were reduced in the hyperglycaemic rats (p<0.01). Insulin treatment partially reversed some of the effects of hyperglycaemia on wound repair (p<0.05). Exogenous nitric oxide further restored wound mechanical strength, collagen deposition and fibroblast collagen synthesis (p<0.01) in insulin-treated (normoglycaemic) diabetic animals. CONCLUSION: Wound healing is impaired in hyperglycaemic and normoglycaemic diabetic rats. This is reflected in impaired wound fibroblast nitric-oxide synthesis. Used in combination with insulin, exogenous nitric oxide further improves healing outcomes, making it a potential target for therapeutic intervention in insulin-treated normoglycaemic diabetes.

[Simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation. Influence of donor and recipient gender]. / Kombinierte Nieren-Pankreas-Transplantation. Einfluss des Spender- und Empfängergeschlechts.

BACKGROUND: Differences in graft survival due to gender have been reported after transplantation of the kidney, liver, and heart. However, little is known about the role of donor and recipient gender in simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation. METHODS: Single-centre analysis was performed of first simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantations performed between 1994 and 2005 at the Bochum Transplant Center in Germany (n=218). RESULTS: Recipients of female donor organs exhibited acute organ rejections earlier and more frequently (P<0.05). Male recipients of organs from male donors had a lower risk of acute rejection than recipients of female donor organs (P<0.05). In addition to female donor gender, higher donor age and early kidney dysfunction were risk factors for perioperative rejection (P<0.05). Long-term kidney and pancreas function was best in male-donor-to-female-recipient transplants over the time periods of 7 and 3 years, respectively (P<0.05). Risk factors of long-term organ failure were: the need of revision laparotomy, organ rejection, and early postoperative organ dysfunction (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: This is the first report of graft function after simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation looking specifically at gender differences with respect to donor and recipient. There was an increased risk of organ rejection of female donor organs.

[Combined pancreas kidney transplantation after isolated kidney transplantation]. / Die kombinierte Pankreas-Nieren-Transplantation als Re-Transplantation nach isolierter Nierentransplantation.

Simultaneous pancreas kidney transplantation (SPK) is an established therapy for type 1 diabetics with end stage or preterminal renal disease. SPK is superior to isolated kidney transplantation (KTX) in diabetic patients. Even pancreas-re-transplantations are more common in these patients now, mostly after SPK. But Experience with SPK after KTX is rare. Between 1994 and 2003 six Re-SPK 4.5 to 8.5 years after KTX were performed in our department. Average age of the recipients was 40.5 years. They had been suffering from diabetes for an average of 29.3 years. Four recipients were on dialysis again, whereas two had preterminal renal insufficiency. Pancreas transplants were drained through the bladder (n = 1) or into the small intestine (n = 5) with systemic venous anastomosis. After a median observation period of 28 months (8 to 99 months) all six recipients are insulin free. One patient lost his kidney graft due to severe acute rejection. Therefore kidney graft survival is 83 %. Four acute rejections (66 %) were observed in 4 patients. Only one rejection was treated successfully by steroids. Two rejections could be stopped with antibodies. 3 patients had infections in the early postoperative period (sinusitis, urinary tract infection, wound infection). Even after KTX with graft failure, diabetic patients suffering from renal disease can be re-transplanted successfully with SPK.

[Pancreas removal by external teams]. / Pankreasorganentnahme durch externe Teams.

Combined pancreas and kidney transplantation is an established procedure for terminal or preterminal, uremic, type 1 diabetics. The current procurement technique allows simultaneous recovery of liver and pancreas. One problem is the assessment of organ quality. It remains unclear how many pancreas organs must be withdrawn during back-table preparation. Between June 1994 and December 2003, 271 pancreas transplantations were performed at our transplant centre. Two hundred sixty-two (89.7%) pancreas grafts were harvested by teams which were not part of the transplant team. Twenty-one (8.0%) grafts were discharged for transplantation at the time of back-table preparation. Liposis of the graft and critical vessel situations were the main reasons for withdrawal. Two kidney grafts were not usable for transplantation, and 92% of the pancreas grafts were. This demonstrates the high standard of pancreas procurement in the Eurotransplant region.

Impairment of renal function following liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Although renal insufficiency following liver transplantation is not infrequent, only limited reports describe the incidence and progression of the kidney disease. METHODS: This single-centre retrospective analysis after successful liver transplantation between January 1985 and March 2002 defined the baseline serum creatinine at 50 days after liver transplantation to represent the renal function. The primary end-point was an increase of serum creatinine by more than 50% above the baseline. RESULTS: Long-term data were available for 162 patients (84 women, 78 men) who received 167 liver transplants. The median serum creatinine level at 50 days after liver transplantation was 1.0 mg/dL (range 0.5-3.5 mg/dL). The median serum creatinine increased to 1.2 mg/dL (0.4-9.8 mg/dL) at the end of follow-up. Six patients (4%) experienced end-stage renal failure. Forty-one patients (25%) showed a 50% increase in the serum creatinine. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that 43% and 48% of patients had a deterioration of renal function at 10 and 15 years after liver transplantation, respectively. Patients at risk showed an increase of serum creatinine by 0.25 mg/dL/y. Only the recipient age was an independent risk factor for deterioration of renal function. CONCLUSIONS: Although there is a high risk for the impairment of renal function after liver transplantation, progression of renal disease is slow and rarely results in end-stage renal failure within 10-15 years. However, patients at risk should be identified early to prevent further decline in renal function.