Renal Transplant Flashcards
Who gets offered renal transplants?
End-stage renal failure patients
How many years of life does a renal transplant typically add?
10 years
What type of scar does a patient with a renal transplant have?
Hockey-stick scar
What are donor kidneys matched on?
Human Leukocyte Antigen
Type A, B and C on chromosome 6
What happens in a renal transplant procedure?
Patient’s kidneys left in place
Donor kidney blood vessels anastomosed with external iliac vessels
Ureter of donor kidney anastomosed to bladder
Donor kidney is placed anterior in abdomen
Can be palpated in iliac fossa
How long does it take a transplanted kidney to function?
Works immediately
What is Basiliximab and what is it used for?
Monoclonal antibody targeting IL-2 receptors on T-cells
Two doses given after surgery to prevent acute rejection of the kidney
What immunosuppressants are given to reduce risk of transplant rejection?
Tacrolimus
Mycophenolate
Ciclosporin
Azathioprine
Prednisolone
What particular side effects are present when using immunosuppressant medications?
Immunosuppressants
Seborrheic warts and skin cancers- surgical scars from removal
Tacrolimus
Tremor
Cyclosporine
Gum hypertrophy
Steroids
Cushing’s syndrome features
What complications relating to kidney transplant can occur?
Transplant rejection
- Hyperacute, acute or chronic
Transplant failure
Electrolyte imbalances
What complications relating to immunosuppressants can occur?
Ischaemic heart disease
Type 2 diabetes (steroid induced)
Infections (may involve unusual pathogens)
Non-hodgkin lymphoma
Skin cancer (squamous cell carcinoma particularly)
What unusual infections can occur secondary to immunosuppressant medication?
Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PCP)
Cytomegalovirus
Tuberculosis
