Objective: To investigate the effect of donor bone marrow transfusion on kidney function in renal allograft recipients.
Methods: From May 1999 through May 2004, 74 cadaver renal transplant patients received postoperative donor bone marrow transfusion (DBMT group), the clinical outcomes were compared with 74 non-infused renal transplant recipients (control group). Both groups received the renal allograft from the same donor and were given equivalent immunosuppressant. The immunosuppressive regimen included tacrolimus/CiclosporinA, mycophenolate mofetil, and prednisolone maintenance. Patients were followed up for 24 to 108 months (mean 69.5 months).
Result: The serum creatinine concentrations of DBMT group at 1,2 and 3 y after operation were (105 + or - 23.9)micromol/L,(107.5 + or - 32.4) micromol/L and (115 + or - 26.6)micromol/L; those of control group were (114.7 + or - 28)micromol/L,(116.5 + or - 27.6)micromol/L and (125 + or - 32.6)micromol/L,respectively. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of DBMT group at 1,2 and 3 y after operation were (70.2 + or - 24.4)ml/min, (74.3 + or - 24.1)ml/min and (73.5 + or - 22.4)ml/min; those of control group were (62.4 + or - 15.8)ml/min, (63.9 + or - 18.7)ml/min and (61.9 + or - 20.3)ml/min. After 5 year-follow-up,the prevalence of proteinuria in DBMT group was 50% (37/74),that was 77% (57/74) in control group (P<0.01). Only 3/74 DBMT recipients had biopsy-proven chronic rejection, whereas 12/74 showed chronic rejection in the controls (P<0.05).
Conclusion: In kidney transplant recipients DBMC infusions may improve the long-term graft survival.