Kidney Storage Temperature for Transplant Recipients

This trial examines how the storage temperature of kidneys from deceased donors affects their function after a transplant. It compares kidneys stored at 10°C to those stored traditionally on ice at 4°C. The goal is to determine if the warmer temperature improves kidney function post-surgery. Adults on the kidney transplant waiting list at Vanderbilt University Medical Center are suitable candidates for this study. Participants must agree to receive a kidney stored at the higher temperature using the Traferox XPort system. As an unphased trial, this study allows patients to contribute to innovative research that could enhance kidney transplant outcomes.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

Research has shown that storing organs like lungs at 10°C for up to 24 hours is as safe as the usual method of storing them at 4°C for 6 hours. This finding suggests that keeping donor kidneys at 10°C might also be safe. The Traferox XPort system, used for organ storage, has manageable side effects for patients with kidney transplant issues. Although specific data on storing kidneys at 10°C is lacking, evidence from other organs suggests it could be well-tolerated.¹²³⁴⁵

Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores a new way to store kidneys before transplant. Unlike the standard method of storing kidneys on ice, which can sometimes damage the organ due to freezing temperatures, this trial investigates storing kidneys at a controlled temperature of 10˚C. The hope is that this method could better preserve kidney function and improve transplant outcomes. By finding the optimal storage temperature, researchers aim to enhance the quality and longevity of transplanted kidneys, potentially benefitting many transplant recipients in the future.

Research has shown that storing organs at 10°C can improve their function after a transplant. Studies have found that lungs and hearts can be preserved longer at this temperature without losing function. Specifically, one study found that 10°C might be the optimal temperature for storing lungs before a transplant. In this trial, one group will store kidneys at 10°C, potentially enhancing their function post-transplant compared to the traditional method of storing them on ice at 4°C, used in the other group. This approach may help kidneys function more effectively and last longer after surgery.⁶⁷⁸⁹¹⁰