Renal Function in Donors and Recipients of Renal Allotransplantation

Abstract

Renal function was determined in 5 donors and 6 recipients who underwent renal allotransplantation. A single-injection clearance technique using radioisotopes was employed to measure glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and effective renal plasma flow (ERPF). The donors demonstrated functional and anatomic hypertrophy in their remaining kidney. Functional hypertrophy, observed within days after nephrectomy, was maintained or increased in all patients, subsequent serial clearance studies having been made 11 to 21 months after operation. Observations of functional trends relating to immuno-suppressive drugs were discussed in 4 long-term surviving recipients, three of whom are still living. Serial determinations of renal function serve as a useful clinical tool to indicate the balance between immuno-suppressive therapy and the rejection process in each patient.