According to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, dopamine can improve the outcome of kidney transplants from deceased, heart-beating donors.  The majority of kidneys transplanted are retrieved from deceased, heart-beating donors.  These kidneys are often exposed to injuries that can lead to impaired function after transplantation.  By pre-treating the donor with dopamine, researchers found the need for dialysis in the transplant recipient in the first week following the transplant was significantly reduced.  The study also notes multiple dialysis treatments increases the chances of transplant failure in the long-term.

This article originally appeared in the October 2009 issue of Kidney Transplant Today.