INFERIOR OUTCOME OF CADAVERIC KIDNEYS PRESERVED FOR MORE THAN 24 HR IN HISTIDINE-TRYPTOPHAN-KETOGLUTARATE SOLUTION1

Abstract

During recent years, an increasing number of transplant centers within the Eurotransplant organization have used histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate (HTK) solution instead of University of Wisconsin (UW) solution as their preferred cold storage solution for abdominal organ preservation. We report on our single-center experience on the outcome of imported kidneys preserved with either HTK or UW solution in relation to the duration of cold ischemia time (CIT). Between July 1989 and July 1997, 323 cadaveric kidneys preserved with UW or HTK and imported as a result of an exchange within the Euro-transplant organization were transplanted at our institution. CIT was Results. Whereas the incidence of delayed graft function did not differ significantly between kidneys preserved for less than 24 hr in UW (18.6%) or HTK (26.2%), this rate increased to 50% in HTK kidneys compared to 23.9% in UW kidneys when CIT exceeded 24 hr (P=0.006). Mean serum creatinine and creatinine clearance values were better at 1 and 5 days postoperatively in kidneys preserved Conclusions. From these single-center findings, it can be concluded that UW is superior to HTK in kidney preservation, particularly when CIT exceeds 24 hr.