Posttransplant Outcomes of Kidneys Donated After Brain Death Followed by Circulatory Death: A Cohort Study of 128 Chinese Patients

BACKGROUND: Donation after brain death followed by circulatory death (DBCD) is a new class in the unique Chinese donor classification system. Currently, in China, the organ transplantation of DBCD is rising. However, there is a dearth of research on the characteristics and outcomes of DBCD kidney transplantation. METHOD: We collected 128 DBCD renal transplant patients who underwent surgery between June 2013 and May 2016 at our center to analyze clinical outcomes and to share our experience to enhance perioperative management in DBCD kidney transplantation. RESULTS: At the end of follow-up, no patients experienced primary nonfunction, but delayed graft function occurred in 25.8%. One- and 3-year graft survivals were 97.7% and 94.5%, respectively. The average length of stay was 20.88 ± 14.6 days, the incidence of posttransplant complications was 46.1% (59 patients), and 31 patients suffered more than 1 complication. In addition, the average length of stay of patients without complications and with at least 1 complication was 13.07 ± 2.01 days and 30.02 ± 17.4 days, respectively. There was a significantly higher incidence of complications associated with the postoperative hospital stay in DBCD patients. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who received a DBCD kidney demonstrated a good outcome in terms of both graft survival and graft function. Hence, DBCD is suitable for national reality and conditions and offers a feasible option for deceased-donor kidney transplantation in China. To prevent complications and reduce the duration of hospital stay, we should strengthen preoperative and postoperative management.