Autologous blood transfusion for kidney transplant recipients.

Abstract Autologous blood transfusion (ABT) is rarely employed in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD); these patients are usually anemic. Since 1998, we have attempted ABT for ESRD patients undergoing living-related kidney transplantation. Among 20 patients enrolled in this study the preoperative hemoglobin and hematocrit levels were 10.0 ± 1.2 mg/dL (range, 8.1–11.7) and 30.0 ± 3.7% (range, 24.7–34.3), respectively. Blood volume collected on each occasion was 235.7 ± 57.7 mL (range, 200–400), and the number of blood collections was 2.45 ± 0.9 (range, 1–4). Total collected volume was 567.5 ± 157.5 mL (range, 400–800). Symptomatic hypotension was seen in two patients, but vital signs recovered spontaneously. No other problems related to blood collection were observed. Allogeneic transfusion was need in only one patient (5%). ABT was safe and efficacious in ESRD patients scheduled for living-related kidney transplantation.