Viability assessment and utilization of declined donor kidneys with rhabdomyolysis using ex vivo normothermic perfusion without preimplantation biopsy

The role of ex vivo normothermic perfusion (EVNP) in both organ viability assessment and reconditioning is increasingly being demonstrated. We report the use of this emerging technology to facilitate the transplantation of a pair of donor kidneys with severe acute kidney injury (AKI) secondary to rhabdomyolysis. Donor creatinine was 10.18 mg/dl with protein (30 mg/dl) present in urinalysis. Both kidneys were declined by all other transplantation units and subsequently accepted by our unit. The first kidney was perfused with red cell-based perfusate at 37 degrees C for 75 min, mean renal blood flow was 110 ml/min/100 g and produced 85 ml of urine. Having demonstrated favorable macroscopic appearance and urine output, the kidney was transplanted into a 61-year-old peritoneal dialysis dependent without complication. Given the reassuring information from the first kidney provided by EVNP, the second kidney was not perfused with EVNP and was directly implanted to a 64-year-old patient. The first kidney achieved primary function and the second functioned well after delayed graft function. Recipient eGFR have stabilized at 88.5 and 55.3, respectively (ml/min/1.73 m(2)), at 2 months posttransplant.

Automated summary

The use of ex vivo normothermic perfusion (EVNP) in organ transplantation has shown benefits in assessing organ viability and improving organ quality. This study reported successful transplantation of donor kidneys with severe acute kidney injury using EVNP, resulting in favorable outcomes.