Renal Transplantation (Clinical Demonstration)

Question 1

What are the major barriers to successful transplantation?

Answer 1

Species differences, blood group antibodies and HLA antibodies

Question 2

What are the minor barriers to successful transplantation?

Answer 2

Degree of HLA matching, donor characteristic, recipient characteristic, cold ischaemia time (CIT), donor type (living, dead or heart beating brain dead)

Question 3

Outline the different types of HLA molecules

Answer 3

Class I: A, B, C

Class II, DQ, DR, DP

Question 4

What are the HLA types most relevant to be matched for a kidney transplant?

Answer 4

HLA-A, HLA-B and HLA-DR

Question 5

What are the advantages of using a living donor?

Answer 5

The donor is screened for medical problems and renal dysfunction, short cold ischaemia time (CIT) and the procedure can be elective

Question 6

Where are HLA Class I molecules found?

Answer 6

On almost all cells

Question 7

Where are HLA Class II molecules found?

Answer 7

On B cells and activated cells

Question 8

What drugs may be given post-kidney transplant in order to prevent rejection?

Answer 8

Steroids azathioprine, MMF, cyclosporine, tarcrolimus and rapamycin

Question 9

What are the potential complications of a kidney transplant?

Answer 9

Infection, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, bone issues, GI disease, cosmetic disease and tumour (organ, skin or post-transplant .. disorder)