Sub-clinical acute rejection detected using protocol biopsies in patients with delayed graft function

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Abstract
Acute rejection in renal transplants is difficult to diagnose when patients have delayed graft function (DGF) in the early post‐transplant period. In this study protocol, renal transplant biopsies were performed in an attempt to detect sub‐clinical acute rejection episodes. Eighty‐three patients were eligible for the study, of whom 33 had DGF. All had protocol renal transplant biopsies performed under ultrasound control at 7 days post‐transplant, and those with DGF had further biopsies weekly until the graft functioned. All histologically confirmed acute rejection episodes were treated. Sub‐clinical acute rejection was detected in 6/33 (18%) patients with DGF compared to 2/50 (4 %) in the other patients (P < 0.05). Borderline rejection was present in 4/33 (12 %) and 4/50 (8 %) patients, respectively. Because of the high detection rate of sub‐clinical acute rejection and the low morbidity of renal transplant biopsies, their use is recommended in patients with DGF.