Multiple Renal Arteries in Kidney Transplantation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Marcel Zorgdrager, Christina Krikke, Sybrand H. Hofker, Henri G.D. Leuvenink, Robert A. Pol
Department of Surgery, Division of Transplantation Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
Ann Transplant 2016; 21:469-478
DOI: 10.12659/AOT.898748
Available online: 2016-07-29
Published: 2016-07-29
ABSTRACT:
Background: The use of grafts with multiple renal arteries (MRA) in renal transplantation has not been clearly established.
Material/Methods: A systematic literature review used predefined terms to search PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library for all studies since 1985 that included more than 50 MRA grafts. A total of 23 studies, comprising a total of 18,289 patients, were eligible to be included in the meta-analysis.
Results: Patients who received an MRA graft compared to single renal artery (SRA) grafts showed significantly higher complication rates (13.8% vs. 11.0%, OR 1.393, p<0.0001), more delayed graft function (10.3% vs. 8.2%, OR 1.333, p=0.022), and had an associated significantly lower 1-year graft survival (93.2% vs. 94.5%, OR 0.819, p=0.034). Both the creatinine level and the warm ischemia time (WIT) were significantly higher in patients with MRA grafts but showed high heterogeneity (I² 98% for WIT and I² 70% for creatinine level). Although MRA grafts were associated with more complications compared to SRA grafts, long-term outcomes were similar for 5-year graft survival (81.4% vs. 81.6%) and 1- and 5-year patient survival (95.4% and 89.6% in MRA group vs. 95.4% and 87.0% in SRA group, respectively).
Conclusions: MRA grafts were associated with a higher risk of complication and delayed graft function but had comparable long-term outcomes for graft and patient survival.
Keywords: Kidney Transplantation, meta-analysis, Renal Artery, review
