PDE5i Use in Renal Transplant Recipients

Ischemia-reperfusion (IRI) injuries are common in renal transplantation and cause poor patient outcomes. Ischemia occurs after the donor\'s death and reperfusion occurs after kidney implantation. The donor kidney undergoes warm ischemia (WIT) after blood circulation stops and cold ischemia (CIT) when subjected to cold storage during transportation. Decreased blood flow leads to waste product accumulation and cellular damage. During reperfusion, reactive oxygen radicals and inflammatory processes further damage the kidney. PDE5 inhibitors increase renal blood flow and could protect the kidney during transplantation. Our study assesses the utility of giving these drugs perioperatively to reduce the effects of IRI injury.