Antithrombotic Management in Adult Kidney Transplantation: A European Survey Study

Abstract

In kidney transplantation (KTx), renal graft thrombosis (RGT) is one of the main reasons for early graft loss. Although evidence-based guidance on prevention of RGT is lacking, thromboprophylaxis is widely used. The aim of this survey was to obtain a European view of the different thromboprophylactic strategies applied in KTx. An online 22-question survey, addressed to KTx professionals, was distributed by email and via platforms of the European Society for Organ Transplantation. Seventy-five responses (21 countries, 51 centers) were received: 75% had over 10 years' clinical experience, 64% were surgeons, 29% nephrologists, and 4% urologists. A written antithrombotic management protocol was available in 75% of centers. In 8 (16%) centers, respondents contradicted each other regarding the availability of a written protocol. Thromboprophylaxis is preferred by 78% of respondents, independent of existing antithrombotic management protocols. Ninety-two percent of respondents indicated that an anticipated bleeding risk is the main reason to discontinue chronic antithrombotic therapy preoperatively. Intraoperatively, 32% of respondents administer unfractionated heparin (400-10,000 international units with a median of 5,000) in selected cases. Despite an overall preference for perioperative thromboprophylaxis in KTx, there is a high variation within Europe regarding type, timing, and dosage, most likely due to the paucity of high-quality studies. Further research is warranted in order to develop better guidelines.