An exploratory comparison of the short-term effects of two different static cold storage techniques of the graft in kidney transplantation from living donors.

objectiveMaintaining graft viability between extraction and implantation is critical for optimal graft function and short-term survival. Newer methods like normo/hypothermic machine perfusion have shown success in deceased donor transplants. However, static cold storage is still the preferred method for transplants from living donors because it is simple and effective at decreasing cellular aerobic metabolism. In this study, the authors aimed to analyze the short-term results of two static cold storage methods on graft function in kidney transplants from living donors.

methodsThe authors prospectively assessed graft function in patients who underwent living-donor kidney transplantation between January 2020 and January 2023. Recipients were allocated to two preservation techniques by coin toss (ice bag vs. Raytech sponge). Given the marked allocation imbalance, all analyses were interpreted as exploratory and hypothesis-generating.

resultsAccording to creatinine and eGFR measurements, postoperative day-7 and -30 creatinine levels in Group A were nominally lower (p < 0.05 and p < 0.05, respectively). There was no significant difference at postoperative days-60 and -180. The hospitalization time for Group A was shorter than for Group B (p < 0.05).

conclusionsThe short-term biochemical outcomes of the ice bag and Raytech sponge techniques were broadly similar. Any early differences in creatinine/eGFR should be interpreted cautiously as exploratory findings that require confirmation in adequately powered, methodologically robust studies.