Transplantation and quality of care for end-stage renal disease: 1993.

We describe a group of renal transplant recipients whose allografts are in general considered to be successful statistically, but who are not greatly benefitted clinically. Grafts in these recipients survive somewhat longer than 6 months, but generally less than 3 years. Many of these individuals are chronically ill. They have many hospitalizations, experience most of the complications associated with transplantation, and incur more mortality and less benefit. Research initiatives need to be focused on this group of patients. A major study of more sensitive methods of detecting presensitization might be beneficial.