Analysis of 22 years experience in living-related transplantation at the University of Alabama in Birmingham.

Over the 22 years comprising this review of living-related renal allografts, 3 distinct eras of immunosuppression protocols were used; Era I-aziathioprine and prednisone, Era II-cyclosporine, azathioprine, and prednisone; and Era III-Minnesota antilymphocyte globulin, cyclosporine, azathioprine, and prednisone. We analyzed both recipient and donor populations for graft and patient survival related to race, haplotype matching, diabetes, and immunosuppressive agents. Graft and patient survival have remained unchanged in 2-haplotype-matched recipients throughout the differing immunosuppression eras. The addition of cyclosporine, however, improved graft survival in the 1-haplotype living-related recipient. During the cyclosporine era, 1-haplotype White living-related recipient graft survival was significantly greater than 1-haplotype Black living-related recipient survivals. The reason for this disparity in graft survival does not appear to be related to noncompliance. The parametric hazard function analysis of the constant phase did not identify cyclosporine as a risk factor for late graft loss, suggesting that long-term cyclosporine usage may decrease the risk of graft loss. However, diabetes was demonstrated to be a risk factor for late graft loss. In diabetics, late graft loss is most likely secondary to death (usually cardiovascular) with a functioning graft. The organ donor pool is being expanded through the utilization of both older donors and living-unrelated donors. Graft survival in the living-unrelated group has been comparable to that of 1- and 2-haplotype-matched recipients. Results with older donors reveal donor age as a risk factor for late graft loss. The issue of living-unrelated transplantation remains controversial. In over 20 years of follow-up on our living-related donor population, we were unable to demonstrate any adverse long-term effects on renal function. Results of our analysis indicate that living-related renal donation continues to be a safe and valuable avenue for kidney transplantation.