Determinant Variables of Resistive Index in Early Renal Transplant Recipients

Background: The resistive index (RI) is used to evaluate renal allograft perfusion and dysfunction. Whereas the RI prognostic role for graft function has received considerable attention, less attention was paid to potential determinants of RI. The aim of this study was to present the results of interlobar artery RI, with special attention given to variables associated with it within 1 week posttransplantation.

Methods: In 125 patients, the association of several variables with the RI grouped in tertiles was assessed.

Results: Thirty-eight subjects had an RI ≤ 0.67 (30.4%), Group 1; 44 an RI > 0.67 and ≤0.76 (35.2%), Group 2; and 43 an RI ≥ 0.77 (34.4%), Group 3. In the univariate analysis, Group 1 was younger (P < .05), Group 2 had a shorter pretransplantation duration of dialysis (P < .05), and Group 1 had less tubular necrosis (P < .05). In the multivariate analysis, recipient age and tubular necrosis remained as independent predictors of RI values (P < .05). There was a nonlinear association between RI and dialysis duration.

Discussion: Our study confirms that RI has a linear, significant association with recipient age and tubular necrosis, and a nonlinear association with dialysis duration.