Outcome in recipients of dual kidney transplants - An analysis of the Dual Registry patients

Background. A novel but controversial method to increase the utilization of aged donor kidneys is the transplantation of both kidneys as a dual transplant. Initial single-center reports demonstrated outcomes similar to single kidneys from younger donors. In this report, we compare outcome in recipients of kidneys from donors greater than or equal to 54 years of age who received a single kidney transplant reported to the United Network for Organ Sharing Scientific Registry versus a dual kidney transplant reported to the Dual Kidney Registry. Methods. A retrospective analysis was performed, comparing four donor and nine recipient and outcome variables between recipients of a single versus a dual transplant between March 1993 and March 1999. Results. Dual versus single transplants from donors greater than or equal to 54 years of age have a significantly decreased incidence of delayed graft function, and lower serum creatinines up to 2 years after transplant despite having kidneys from significantly older donors with poorer HLA matching. Conclusions. Dual kidney transplants improve graft performance and outcome in recipients of kidneys from donors greater than or equal to 54 years of age.