Marked variation in the definition and diagnosis of delayed graft function: a systematic review.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The term delayed graft function (DGF) is commonly used to describe the need for dialysis after receiving a kidney transplant. DGF increases morbidity after transplantation, prolongs hospitalization and may lead to premature graft failure. Various definitions of DGF are used in the literature without a uniformly accepted technique to identify DGF.

METHODS:

We performed a systematic review of the literature to identify all of the different definitions and diagnostic techniques to identify DGF.

RESULTS:

We identified 18 unique definitions for DGF and 10 diagnostic techniques to identify DGF.

CONCLUSIONS:

The utilization of heterogeneous clinical criteria to define DGF has certain limitations. It will lead to delayed and sometimes inaccurate diagnosis of DGF. Hence a diagnostic test that identifies DGF reliably and early is necessary. Heterogeneity, in the definitions used for DGF, hinders the evolution of a diagnostic technique to identify DGF, which requires a gold standard definition. We are in need of a new definition that is uniformly accepted across the kidney transplant community. The new definition will be helpful in promoting better communication among transplant professionals and aids in comparing clinical studies of diagnostic techniques to identify DGF and thus may facilitate clinical trials of interventions for the treatment of DGF.

• Authors: Sri G Yarlagadda, Steven G Coca, Amit X Garg, Mona Doshi, Emilio Poggio, Richard J Marcus, Chirag R Parikh
• Journal: Nephrology, dialysis, transplantation : official publication of the European Dialysis and Transplant Association - European Renal Association (Nephrol Dial Transplant) Vol. 23 Issue 9 Pg. 2995-3003 (Sep 2008) ISSN: 1460-2385 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 18408075 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review, Systematic Review)

Topics

• Delayed Graft Function (diagnosis, drug therapy, epidemiology)
• Humans
• Kidney Transplantation (adverse effects, pathology)
• Terminology as Topic