Outcome in recipients of dual kidney transplants: An analysis of the dual registry patients

Background. A novel but controversial method to increase the utilization of aged donor kidneys is the transplantation of both kidneys as a dual transplant. Initial single-center reports demonstrated outcomes similar to single kidneys from younger donors. In this report, we compare outcome in recipients of kidneys from donors ≥54 years of age who received a single kidney transplant reported to the United Network for Organ Sharing Scientific Registry versus a dual kidney transplant reported to the Dual Kidney Registry. Methods. A retrospective analysis was performed, comparing four donor and nine recipient and outcome variables between recipients of a single versus a dual transplant between March 1993 and March 1999. Results. Dual versus single transplants from donors ≥54 years of age have a significantly decreased incidence of delayed graft function, and lower serum creatinines up to 2 years after transplant despite having kidneys from significantly older donors with poorer HLA matching. Conclusions. Dual kidney transplants improve graft performance and outcome in recipients of kidneys from donors ≥54 years of age.