Import kidney transplants from nonmandatory share deceased donors: Characteristics, distribution and outcomes

Outcomes of locally rejected kidneys transplanted at other centers (import KTX) are unknown. SRTR data from 2000 to 2009 of deceased-donor KTXs excluding 0-mismatch, paybacks, and other mandatory shares were compared by location of KTX at local (n = 48 165), regional (n = 4428) or national (n = 4104) centers using multivariable regression models. Compared to nonmandatory share local transplants, import KTX were associated with significantly higher overall risks of patient death (regional aHR 1.15, p < 0.01; national aHR 1.14, p < 0.01), and graft failure (regional aHR 1.17, p < 0.01; national aHR1.21, p < 0.01). In paired analysis, the risk of delayed graft function (DGF) for import KTX was higher compared to locally transplanted mates (regional aOR 1.53, p < 0.01, national aOR 2.14, p < 0.01); however, despite longer ischemia times, overall graft survival was similar. Mean cold ischemia times (CIT) pre- and post-DonorNet® were similar for local and regional transplants, but significantly higher for national transplants (28.9 ± 9.9 vs. 29.9 ± 9.7 h, respectively, p = 0.01). Import KTX is associated with increased risks of graft failure, patient death and DGF. In the era of DonorNet® cold ischemia times of kidneys imported to regional centers are not improved compared to pre-DonorNet®; and, those of national centers are significantly prolonged. Import kidney transplants from non-mandatory share deceased donors are associated with increased risks of graft failure, patient death, and delayed graft function compared to non-mandatory share local transplants.