To present the first experience of renal transplantation in Yemen. Between May 1998 and June 2006, a total of 31 patients (21 males and 10 females) received a renal allograft from live-related donors. The cold ischemia time was 48-68 minutes. The immunosuppressive protocol was double therapy in the first eight cases (steroids and MMF) then triple therapy (steroids, cyclosporine and MMF) afterwards. Episodes of acute rejection were treated with high doses of steroids and antithymocytes globulin (ATG) in cases of vascular or steroid resistant rejections.
The primary graft function was achieved in 29 (93.5%) recipients. The post transplant complications either surgical or medical were comparable to that reported in the literature. The kidney transplantation program started sporadically in Yemen since 1998. However, the well-established program is now running regularly since the beginning of 2005.