Background: This retrospective single-center study investigates the impact of preceding cardiac arrest on kidney transplantation outcomes from brain-dead donors. Conflicting results in previous research underscore the need for further investigation.
Methods: Data were collected from Human Organ Preservation Effort (HOPE) medical records of deceased kidney donors, spanning January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2022. Donors were categorized into two groups: those with and without a preceding cardiac arrest. Immediate outcomes, including creatinine levels, and the incidence of delayed renal allograft function, were compared. Graft rejection/survival rates associated with cardiac arrest history were also assessed. Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression analysis were employed, adhering to ethical principles.
Results: Significant differences in creatinine levels at the 1st and 3rd months post-transplant were observed, indicating a short-term impact of cardiac arrest history. Significance persisted at the 6th month but diminished, suggesting potential adaptation over time.
Conclusion: Recommendations include enhanced donor screening, tailored post-transplant care, and further multifactorial analyses. The study contributes valuable insights for organ procurement and transplantation practices. Findings offer a nuanced perspective, guiding future investigations. A forthcoming publication will serve as a comprehensive reference for researchers and practitioners.

Keywords: kidney transplantation; brain dead donors; cardiac arrest; immediate outcomes; renal allograft function; graft rejection.