Ten-year results of renal transplantation using only azathioprine and low-dose prednisolone as immunosuppression.

This paper describes the results of renal transplants carried out in a single center more than 10 years ago. One hundred fifty-five recipients received 170 grafts; 164 from cadavers and 6 from living-related donors. All patients received the same immunosuppressive therapy with azathioprine and low-dose steroid. 1. The total actual patient survival was 67.1% at 10 years; 104 patients survived and 51 died. 2. The actual first cadaver graft survival was 54.7% at 10 years; 82 grafts survived and 68 were lost. Death with a functioning graft was the commonest cause of graft loss. 3. Ninety-seven patients and 70 first cadaver grafts survived in the 12th year. Two patients survived with first cadaver grafts into the 21st year. 4. Tissue match grade was not related to cadaver graft survival at 10 years. 5. Five of the 6 recipients of living-related donor kidneys survived but only 3 of their grafts were functioning after 10 years.