Should a Living Donor Renal Graft be Removed Due To Prolonged Delayed Function? A Case Report.

Abstract

BACKGROUND Delayed graft function (DGF) is defined as failure of the transplanted kidney to function in the early -post-transplant period. DGF is a rare complication after living donor kidney transplant and is most common after deceased donor kidney transplant, probably due to prolonged warm and cold ischemia times during retrieval. Most cases of DGF resolve spontaneously within days to weeks. There are very few reported cases in the literature of DGF lasting over 4 weeks. We present a case that resolved after 55 days. The recipient subsequently achieved normal renal function. CASE REPORT Our patient was a 52-year-old man with end-stage renal disease who underwent a second living donor renal transplant. The donor was his son, with whom he had 1 antigen mismatch. Postoperative day 1, the patient developed anuria and failed to improve with fluids and diuretics. Investigations ruled out common causes of renal dysfunction (rejection, ischemia), but failed to disclose the cause of this condition. After an extended period of watchful waiting, the graft function returned, reaching normal creatinine and urine output levels. CONCLUSIONS DGF after living donor kidney transplantation is rare, and few cases lasting more than a month have been reported. Before diagnosing DGF, other causes of renal dysfunction (rejection, ischemia, medication adverse effects) must be ruled out. In the absence of these, expectant management is appropriate and full graft recovery can be expected, even with anuria and hemodialysis.