Abstract

Objective. Renal transplantation is an outstanding therapy for end-stage renal failure and has been shown to increase life expectancy and quality of life, while reducing medical expenditure. The presence of IgM antibodies in recipient serum is not a contraindication for renal transplantation. However, the presence of this antibody may have significant clinical implications. IgM autoantibodies have been blamed for a group of accelerated or hyperacute cases of graft rejection. In this study, graft and patient survival outcomes after renal transplantation in LCM IgM-positive recipients have been assessed.

Materials and Methods. Data from 32 LCM IgM-positive kidney recipients who underwent renal transplantation at the Akdeniz University Transplantation Center between January 2006 and August 2008 were assessed.

Results. The mean age was 34 ± 13.5 (9-66). Twenty patients were male, and twelve were female. The mean length of therapy with dialysis was 22.94 ± 30.06months (0-120). The duration of cold ischemia was 28.63 ± 5.85 minutes (21- 42)

Conclusion. Throughout the follow up period, the mean creatinine level was 1.3 mg/dL (0.69-4.5). Graft loss occurred in only one patient and was due to hemophagocytic syndrome and acute rejection. During follow up, creatinine elevation was seen in 12 patients (4%) in the early postoperative period. These patients were thought to have transplant rejection, and therapy for rejection was given. The therapy was successful. Graft survival was calculated to be 96 ± 3.5%, and none of the patients were lost.