Outcome of Patients with Amyloidosis after Renal Transplantation: A Single-Center Experience

Abstract

Aims: The prognostic outcome of patients with amyloidosis who receive a kidney transplant is controversial. The aim of the study was to analyze the renal transplantation outcome of patients with amyloidosis compared to transplant recipients with other kidney diseases. Methods: Among 940 patients who had renal transplantation in our unit between 1983 and 2009, 44 patients with amyloidosis were compared regarding early and late complications and survival, retrospectively, with a control group of 41 consecutive patients with the same donor type and a matched renal transplantation date. Results: The groups were similar regarding demographic parameters, HLA mismatch numbers and mean follow-up period. Groups were similar regarding early and late infectious and non-infectious complications, except recurrence of the primary disease, which was more common in the amyloidosis group. As the cause of graft loss, rejection (acute or chronic) was more common in the control group; whereas primary non-functioning graft, and death with a functioning graft were more common in the amyloidosis group. Patient survival rates at 1, 5, and 10 years were 87.6%, 78.1%, and 62.3 in the amyloidosis group; and 93.2%, 82.6%, and 69.3% in the control group. Graft survival rates at 1, 5 and 10 years were 87.6%, 75.4%, 56.4% in the amyloidosis group; and 93.2%, 80.3%, and 60.6% in the control group, respectively. These values did not show any statistical difference. Conclusions: The outcomes of renal transplantation in patients with amyloidosis are comparable with recipients whose primary problems are due to other kidney diseases; therefore, amyloidosis patients should be accepted as good candidates for transplantation.