RESUMO
OBJECTIVES: To show the effects of different factors on development and outcome of early kidney allograft dysfunction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred thirty-one kidney transplant recipients were divided into 2 groups: group 1 (125 patients transplanted from 1999-2004) and group 2 (106 patients transplanted from 2008-2013). Age range was 12 to 62 years (group 1) and 7 to 71 years (group 2). Deceaseddonor transplant was more frequent in group 1 (76.8%), and living-donor transplant in group 2 (68.8%). In group 1, transplant was performed for glomerulonephritis or pyelonephritis; in group 2, additional risk factors (18 patients) included diabetes (11 patients), systemic lupus erythematosus (5 patients), amyloidosis (1 patient), and aortic and mitral valve replacement because of bacterial endocarditis (1 patient). In groups 1 and 2, immunosuppression after transplant included cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofetil, and steroids; patients in group 2 also had induction with anti-CD25 monoclonal antibodies. RESULTS: Primary graft function occurred in 89 patients in group 1 (71.2%) and 83 patients in group 2 (78.3%). Immediately after transplant, delayed graft function included anuria, oliguria, adequate amount of urine, and secondary delayed function (several days of polyuria followed by decreased urine output). Ischemia was a leading cause of delayed renal graft function. Anuria after living-donor transplant was a sign of vascular thrombosis. Rejection was the main cause of secondary delayed graft function, which occurred in only group 1. Survival at 1 year in patients with delayed graft function was 80% in group 1 and 100% in group 2 because of the absence of septic complications. CONCLUSIONS: Despite extension of indications, primary functioning of kidney transplants and patient survival increased. Improved care enables long-term rehabilitation of recipients and expanding criteria for kidney transplant.