Cadaver donor renal transplantation by centers of the South-Eastern Organ Procurement Foundation. The prospective study after 6.5 years and 3811 allografts.

After 6.5 years, the SEOPF prospective study of 3811 cadaver grafts is summarized. The prime variables of transfusions, homologous leucocytic antibodies (HLA)-A and B typing and anti-lymphocyte serum treatment, continue to beneficially affect survival, but trends in the data suggest that they either have small or short-term effects. Apparently the determinants of true long-term survival are still not uncovered. Any erythrocyte preparation provides the transfusion effect if administered more than 10 days and less than 365 days before transplantation. Dialysis in the first week after transplantation adversely affects graft survival. Splenectomy may improve graft survival, but increases patient mortality. Thus, we believe it is unwarranted as a routine measure. We continue to collect long-term data on this group of patients, which will probably stand as a benchmark study of precyclosporin renal transplantation.