Exploring the Risk Factors and Preventable Measures for Early Graft Loss in Kidney Transplantation: A Single-Center Analysis in the Southwest of the United Kingdom.

Objectives: Early graft loss due to vascular complications occurs in 3.5% to 5.7% of total kidney transplants. Two strategies to improve kidney graft outcomes have been advocated: (1) meticulous attention to modifiable risk factors and (2) exploration of monitoring technologies that assist in the early detection of vascular complications critical to rescue of a compromised graft.This study aimed to assess risk factors and preventable measures for early graft loss in kidney transplant recipients from the Southwest of UK.

Materials And Methods: In this retrospective observational study, the demographic characteristics, comorbidities, and use of a postoperative blood flow monitoring device in 472 kidney transplant recipients at the Southwest Transplant Centre between January 2015 and March 2023 were analyzed individually against early graft loss. We conducted bivariate analyses using chi-square tests with a contingency table to identify whether recipient risk factors (demographic characteristics, comorbidities) or the use of an implantable blood flow monitoring device was significantly associated with early graft loss.

Results: Twelve transplant recipients (2.5%) had early graft loss due to vascular complications. The results revealed that recipient's smoking habit, the number of prior kidney transplants, and a history of thromboembolism displayed a statistically significant association with early graftloss. Conversely,the use of an implantable blood flow monitoring device in kidney transplant recipients did not display a statistically significant association with early graft loss.

Conclusions: Meticulous attention given to controlling risk factors before kidney transplant can reduce early graft loss. Surveillance by clinical observation and serial radiological monitoring can be offered to patients at high risk with nonmodifiable risk factors. Further controlled studies are warranted to evaluate the implantable blood flow monitoring device in clinical practice.