Mortality risk assessment after renal transplantation.

Mortality after renal allograft loss is significantly increased as compared to patients with a well-functioning graft. This further emphasizes the beneficial effects of renal transplantation in prolonging life in patients with end-stage renal disease. Factors that impact DWFG also are associated with the risk of cause-specific mortality after graft loss. Factors that were associated with an increased risk of DAGL included prolonged waiting time on dialysis, poor renal function at one year, diabetes mellitus and acute rejection, but not longer time with a functioning transplant. It is possible that by modifying some of these variables, overall mortality might be influenced in a positive way. Just as important, the increased mortality after graft loss further emphasizes the importance of maintaining a well-functioning renal allograft.