Preliminary results of transplantation with kidneys donated after cardiac death: A path of hope for organ transplantation in China

Background This article aims to explore the feasibility and effect of kidney transplantation (KT) from donation after cardiac death (DCD) donors in China. Methods From July 2011 to April 2013, 94 DCD kidneys retrieved and transplanted by our centre were reviewed in this largest single-centre cohort study. Patients with and without delayed graft function (DGF) were compared between DCD KT cohorts. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), post-operative complications and graft loss at different time points were recorded. Factors related to DGF were examined and analysed. Results There was no primary non-function (PNF) graft observed from patients. DGF rate was 27.7%; and 1-year overall graft and patient survival rates were 95.7 and 98.9%, respectively. In the first 6 months post-transplantation, eGFR was significantly lower in the DGF group compared with the non-DGF group (46 versus 52 mL/min; P = 0.04); but the difference disappeared thereafter (50 versus 47 mL/min, after 1 year). Conclusion Despite early DGF and short-term observations, we are pleased to have this opportunity of sharing our initial experience and results, and justifying the continued DCD KT programmes in China.