A solution to end-stage renal disease often involves a kidney transplant. A healthy donor kidney replaces the function of the diseased kidney during the surgical procedure. The diseased kidneys remain in place unless there are signs of infection, the kidneys are too large or high blood pressure is present. Advantages of a kidney transplant over renal dialysis include a better quality of life, according to MayoClinic.com. The National Institutes of Health reports kidney transplant as one of the most commonly preformed transplant procedures. However, according to the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients, nearly 80,000 patients remained on the kidney transplant waiting list as of 2009. Waiting to receive a kidney takes between three to five years.
Rejection
A person's body may reject the healthy kidney. The University of Iowa reports kidney transplant rejection rates declined in recent years; a 15 percent rejection rate is common. The body's immune system identifies the healthy kidney as a foreign object and attacks it. Rejection most frequently occurs in the first three months after surgery, though rejection can occur at any time, reports Hennepin County Medical Center. Many rejections can be treated and overturned.
Infection
According to the National Institutes of Health, almost all kidney transplant recipients must take medications to suppress their immune systems for the remainder of their life to prevent rejection. The medication therapy places the transplant recipient under increased risk of cancer and infection. Cancer screenings are recommended on a yearly basis.
Cardiovascular Effects and Diabetes
Receiving a kidney transplant increases a person's risk for high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Both conditions cause heart attack and stroke if not managed. Patients should regularly monitor blood pressure. Possible prescription medications to lower cardiovascular problems may be prescribed. Having a kidney transplant also places someone at risk of diabetes mellitus. A person may find it difficult to control blood sugar levels. Diabetes is often related to cardiovascular disease such as high blood pressure and cholesterol. MedicalNewsToday.com reports post-operative diagnoses of diabetes often leads to high rates of rejection, infection and recurring hospitalization.
Additional Complications
According to MayoClinic.com, anti-rejection medication side effects also include thinning hair, weight gain, swollen gums and acne. Some patients experience osteoporosis, or thinning of the bones, due to required medications. Performing regular bone density testing can identify the condition. Women should not get pregnant until one year after a transplant, advises the American Society of Transplantation. Transplant medications cause birth defects to unborn children.
References
- National Institutes of Health: Kidney Transplant Surgery
- MayoClinic.com: Kidney Transplant: Why Its Done
- MayoClinic.com: Kidney Transplant: Risks
- Hennepin County Medical Center: Kidney Transplant Recipient Information
- Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients: Waiting List and Transplant Activity
