Original Article Effect of the shipment of cadaveric renal allografts on allograft survival

Background. Since 1996, the allocation of grafts in France has been based on a hierarchical three-level system: na-tional, regional and local. The objective of this study was to determine whether the shipment of cadaveric kidneys according to these new exchange rules affects allograft out-come in the Eastern region of France. Methods. This retrospective study analysed all renal trans-plants performed in the four centres of the French Eastern region during 3 years (1996 to 1998). All patients were followed up until death, return to dialysis, last information date or the end of June 2003. Information regarding the donors, recipients and treatments, as well as patient and graft outcome, was recorded. Factors associated with graft loss were analysed using Cox proportional hazard methods