Renal transplantation.

Abstract

Renal transplantation offers the best renal replacement therapy for most children with end stage renal disease improving their potential for growth and nutrition, neurodevelopment and quality of life. Advances in organ retrieval and preservation, improved surgical techniques, newer immunosuppressive drugs and prevention and treatment of infections have significantly improved patient and graft survival. The absolute requirements for a transplant are compatible blood group and a negative cytotoxic crossmatch. The immunosuppressive drugs most often used are cyclosporin A (or tacrolimus), azathioprine (or mycophenolate mofetil) and prednisone. Complications following transplantation include episodes of acute rejection, serious bacterial and viral infections, hypertension and recurrence of primary disease in the allograft. Each centre must have standard protocols for pre-transplant evaluation, management of immunosuppression and prevention of infections. Socio-economic factors should be carefully evaluated before offering transplantation to children in developing countries. Preemptive transplantation from a living donor may be a more viable option for these children.

• Authors: Asha Moudgil
• Journal: Indian journal of pediatrics (Indian J Pediatr) Vol. 70 Issue 3 Pg. 257-64 (Mar 2003) ISSN: 0019-5456 [Print] India
• PMID: 12785299 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Immunosuppressive Agents

Topics

• Child
• Graft Rejection
• Humans
• Immunosuppressive Agents (pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Kidney Failure, Chronic (surgery)
• Kidney Transplantation (adverse effects, immunology)
• Transplantation, Homologous