Transplants 2 Flashcards
What are the pros of kidney transplantation? (5)
- No more dialysis
- Less dietary restrictions
- Avoid dialysis related complications
- Increased mortality
- Economics
What are the cons of kidney transplantation? (2)
- Complicated regimen of immunosuppressant therapy
- Risks of immunosuppression
Who is eligible for a kidney transplant? (4)
- Referral for evaluation usually happens prior to dialysis
- Generally not listed until GFR ≤ 20ml/min
- Pre-emptive transplant possible
- Some patients are listed for kidney + pancreas
What are some common indications for a kidney transplant? (5)
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Glomerulonephritis
- Polycystic kidney disease
- Other
How do we monitor for rejection in kidney transplant?
Routine bloodwork including SCr, urea, lytes, drug levels can help us to monitor for rejection
What are acute symptoms of kidney rejection? (7)
- Abrupt increase in SCr >30% baseline
- Fever
- Decreased urine output
- Weight gain
- HTN
- Edema
- Pain over the kidney
What are the chronic symptoms of kidney rejection? (3)
- HTN
- Proteinuria
- Progressive decline in renal function
What are 3 “other” issues that can happen with kidney transplant?
- Delayed Graft Function (DGF)
- Original cause of renal failure can be an issue
- BK Virus/polyoma virus
What is delayed graft function (DGF)?
The need for dialysis in the first week post transplant
What is BK virus/polyoma virus and why is it an issue with kidney transplant?
- Opportunistic infection which is a major cause of graft loss
- Associated with increased levels of immunosuppression
Who is eligible for liver transplant?
Pts with advanced disease with impaired, non-reversible liver disease (decompensated)
What are some common indications for a liver transplant? (7)
- Chronic viral hepatitis C and B
- Autoimmune hepatitis
- Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC)
- Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC)
- Alcoholic liver disease
- Hepatocellular carcinoma
- Kids: biliary atresia (congenital condition - failure of bile ducts to develop and drain bile)
Describe the immunosuppression regimen of a liver transplant (3)
- The liver is the least immunogenic organ
- Complete steroid weaning is almost always the goal
- While induction and triple therapy is used initially, it is often possible to taper this to one agent over time (ex TAC)
- Steroid usually weaned first
- Mycophenolic acid derivative usually tapered around 1 year
How do we monitor for rejection of a liver transplant?
Routine bloodwork including liver enzyme tests can help us monitor for rejection (ALP, AST, ALP, GGT)
What are some symptoms of acute liver transplant rejection? (3)
- Increased bilirubin
- Increased liver enzymes
- Leukocytosis
What are some symptoms of chronic liver transplant rejection? (4)
- ‘Vanishing bile duct syndrome’
- Increased liver enzymes
- Increased bilirubin leading to jaundice
- Itching
What are some “other” issues that may arise with a liver transplant?
Recurrence of disease is possible with some conditions
- Ex. Hepatitis B&C, primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), autoimmune hepatitis
Who is eligible for a heart transplant?
Advanced heart failure, non-responsive to medical therapy, but otherwise healthy
What are some common indications for a heart transplant? (3)
- Cardiomyopathy
- Severe coronary artery disease with scar tissue
- Congenital defects
What is the 5-year survival rate for a kidney transplant?
5-year survival kidney transplant is roughly 80% for deceased donor, 90% for living
What is the 5-year survival rate for a liver transplant?
82-87%
What is the 5-year survival rate for a heart transplant?
~75%
Describe the immunosuppression regimen for a heart transplant (2)
- In general they follow the normal regimen, i.e., biologic therapy for induction + maintenance triple therapy
- IS levels are similar to kidneys but prednisone is eventually often tapered
What are some “other” issues that arise with a heart transplant? (4)
The transplanted heart is denervated
- Increased resting heart rate (90-110bpm), decreasing ability to rise quickly with exercise
- MI may be asymptomatic
- Altered response to drugs that work via the autonomic nervous system
What medications should adult heart transplant patients get for cardioprotection and prevention of CVD?
All adult patients should receive a statin, (regardless of LDL) to prevent CVD, plus ASA & ACE inhibitor for cardioprotection
How to monitor for rejection of a heart transplant? (2)
- No great way to monitor! Labs are not helpful
- Protocol biopsies are scheduled depending on the time post transplant
What are the acute rejection symptoms of a heart transplant? (6)
- Majority of episodes are asymptomatic
- Fever
- Malaise
- Decreased exercise tolerance
- Hypotension
- CHF symptoms
What are the chronic rejection symptoms of a heart transplant? (2)
- ‘Coronary graft vasculopathy’
- Specific pathology unique to transplanted vessels
Who is eligible for lung transplant? (2)
- Healthy younger patients with chronic, end-stage lung disease who are failing maximal medical therapy.
- Potential candidates should be well informed and demonstrate adequate health behavior and a willingness to adhere to health care guidelines
What are some common indications for lung transplant? (4)
- Cystic fibrosis
- COPD
- Pulmonary fibrosis
- Pulmonary hypertension
What is the 5-year survival rate for a lung transplant?
65%