Renal transplant

Question 1

When are renal transplant normally used?

Answer 1

In patients with end stage renal failure

Question 2

What medication regime is normally given post renal transplant and why?

Answer 2

Immunosupression to reduce risk of transplant rejection
Normally
- tacrolismus
- mycophenolate
- prednisolone
(also can use cyclosporin or azathioprine)

Question 3

How are the patient and donor kidneys matched?

Answer 3

Using human leukocyte antigens type A, B and C. The close the match the less likely to be organ rejection.

Question 4

What are some complications of a renal transplant?

Answer 4

Transplant rejection - hyperacute, acute and chronic
Transplant failure
Electrolyte imbalances

Question 5

What are some complications that are related to long term immunosuppressants?

Answer 5

High risk of opportunistic infections - such as TB, cytomegalovirus etc.

Ischaemic heart disease
Type 2 diabetes - if on steroids
Non - Hodgkins lymphoma
Skin cancers