Kidney Retransplantation in Cyclosporine Treated Patients

Abstract

We have assessed the results of kidney retransplantation obtained in our service between 1986 and 1996 (n = 46). The results were compared with first kidney transplants performed during the same period (n = 404). Retransplant recipients received short induction therapy with methylprednisolone boluses (before 1994) or OKT3 (1995-1996). Maintenance therapy was based on cyclosporine and steroids. Percentages of delayed graft function, acute rejection and medical or surgical complications and length of hospitalization were similar in first transplants and retransplants. Short and longterm graft function and patient and graft survival were also similar. In our experience, kidney retransplantation with cyclosporin-based immunosuppression has similar results to first kidney grafting.