The Use of Paediatric Cadaver Kidneys for Transplantation in Adult Recipients

Abstract

In view of the shortage of cadaveric donors a retrospective study has been performed to determine the results of transplantation of paediatric cadaver donor kidneys into adult recipients. Graft- and patient survival and renal function in the 31 cases analysed in this study showed no adverse effect of the use of paediatric donor kidneys. No vascular complications were encountered. Ureteric leakage occurred in only one case and it was treated successfully. It is concluded that paediatric age is no criterion for donor exclusion and that paediatric donors are to be regarded as a valuable source of cadaveric kidneys for transplantation.

Cadaveric organ retrieval for transplantation

“…There is no lower age limit for cadaveric organ donors. Transplantation of pediatric kidneys, enbloc or as single units, in adult recipients has been performed with good results [7][8][9]. Even kidneys from anencephalic infants have been transplanted successfully [10].…”