Renal transplantation in patients with endstage diabetic nephropathy.

Eighty-six renal transplantations were performed in 69 patients with endstage diabetic nephropathy. Cadaveric kidneys were used in 77 of the transplantations. Most of the patients had severe retinopathy. Patients with severe cardiopathy and neuropathy were not accepted for transplantation. After one year 61% of the patients were alive, after three years 43%, all except one with functioning graft. The quality of life of the survivors was acceptable, only two requiring nursing care. It is concluded that renal transplantation in patients with diabetic nephropathy is justified in selected patients.