Risk factors of delayed graft function following living donor kidney transplantation: A meta-analysis

Introduction: Delayed graft function (DGF) is a common condition that necessitates dialysis during the first week after transplantation. Although DGF rarely occurs following living-donor kidney transplantation (LDKT), it may eventually lead to acute or chronic graft rejection. This study aimed to assess the risk factors for DGF in patients who underwent LDKT. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies published before August 2022 was conducted using the PubMed, Science Direct, Cochrane, and Directory of Open Access Journal (DOAJ) databases. The review included studies that assessed the incidence of DGF following LDKT, and examined its risk factors, while excluding studies involving deceased donors. Potential risk factors were analyzed using pooled mean differences or odds ratios with 95 confidence intervals (CIs). Review Manager 5.3 was used for the meta-analysis. Results: Among the 13 included studies, 3685 cases of DGF were identified in a total of 113,261 patients (3.25). Potential risk factors for DGF following LDKT were examined across several aspects, including donor, recipient, donor/recipient relationship, and immunological and intraoperative factors. The identified risk factors included older donors (P = 0.07), male recipients (P < 0.0001), higher recipient body mass index (BMI) (P < 0.0001), non-white recipients (P < 0.0001), pre-existing diabetes (P < 0.0001), pre-existing hypertension (P = 0.01), history of dialysis (P < 0.0001), re-transplantation (P = 0.004), unrelated donor/recipient (P = 0.02), ABO incompatibility (P < 0.0001), higher panel reactive antibody (PRA) levels (P < 0.0001), utilization of right kidney (P < 0.0001), and longer cold ischemia time (CIT) (P = 0.004). Conclusion: Several factors related to the donor, recipient, donor/recipient relationship, and immunological and intraoperative aspects were identified as potential risk factors for the development of DGF following LDKT. Addressing and optimizing these factors may improve the long-term outcomes of LDKT. © 2024 Elsevier B.V.