Renal autograft survival after perfusion and hypothermic storage in a hyperosmolar high potassium-containing solution.

A hyperosmolar high postassium-containing kidney perfusate and storage solution with demonstrated in vitro advantages over extracellular-like solutions was tested for renal preservation superiority in vivo. A model allowing simultaneous evaluation of creatinine clearance of both kidneys from the same animal, each having been perfused and stored for 24 hours in different preservation solutions, offered certain advantages over conventional models. Immediate function, greater ultimate creatinine clearance and preservation of cellular architecture during 24 hours of hypothermic storage was demonstrated convincingly in kidneys preserved in the hyperosmolar high potassium containing solution. Simplicity of preparation and absence of precipitates were additional desirable features of this solution. The use of Ringer's lactated solution for perfusion and cold storage of kidneys should be avoided.