chemistry patient report after kidney transplant

What happens during a kidney transplant?

The newly transplanted kidney is placed into the left or right lower abdomen. The original kidneys are most often not removed, unless it is determined otherwise. The incision for a kidney transplant is approximately four to 12 inches long and is located on the lower abdomen on the right or left side. The operation usually lasts two to four hours.

What causes chronic rejection after a kidney transplant?

Chronic rejection is caused by slow procedure (kidney transplant). Goals for the patient are being sure that rejection will not occur. cipation i n immunosupp ressive treatmen t.

What increases my risk of heart disease after kidney transplant?

People with kidney transplants are at greater risk for heart disease. There are many causes for heart disease including: smoking, diabetes, overweight, hypertension, high cholesterol and blood lipids, and number of years on dialysis. How can I lower my chances of getting heart disease?

What medications will I have to take after a kidney transplant?

The medicines you will be taking after your transplant to keep your body from rejecting your new kidney are called immunosuppressants. You will have to take these medicines every day for as long as you have your transplant.

What is the normal creatinine level after transplant?

There is not a 'normal' range for creatinine in transplant patients but the average creatinine level in transplant patients is 150 µmol/L.

What blood tests are done after kidney transplant?

The lab tests we perform monitor your blood counts, kidney function, liver function, electrolytes, and the medication levels in your blood. Other tests may be ordered as necessary....Follow-Up Visits After Kidney Transplant SurgeryBlood Count.Kidney Function.Electrolytes.Additional Blood Tests.Kidney Biopsy.Ultrasound.

What is a normal GFR after kidney transplant?

KDIGO recommended that GFR≥90 ml/min per 1.73 m2 is acceptable for kidney donation and GFR<60 ml/min per 1.73 m2 is not acceptable, whereas GFR of 60–89 ml/min per 1.73 m2 is an intermediate range in which the decision should be individualized on the basis of age and other clinical factors in relation to the transplant ...

Why creatinine is increased after transplant?

Bacterial, viral or fungal infections may occur during the postoperative period in a transplanted patient. This is mainly due to the immunosuppressed status of the patient. Elevated serum creatinine levels are associated with bacterial infection and may be due to multiple factors.

What is a normal tacrolimus level?

Most individuals display optimal response to tacrolimus with trough whole blood levels of 5.0 to 15.0 ng/mL. Preferred therapeutic ranges may vary by transplant type, protocol, and comedications.

What labs indicate kidney rejection?

In kidney transplant recipients, an elevated creatinine level may indicate rejection. An enzyme present in the liver and gallbladder which is affected by factors that cause inflammation or obstruction in the organs. A value that reflects the content of sugar in the blood.

What is a good GFR after transplant?

Many kidney transplant (KT) recipients have an eGFR<60 ml/min per 1.73 m2 on the basis of the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation at their 1-year anniversary, placing them in stage 3T CKD or worse.

What is a good GFR for one kidney?

A GFR of 60 or higher is in the normal range. A GFR below 60 may mean kidney disease. A GFR of 15 or lower may mean kidney failure.

What is a normal GFR for a 70 year old?

However, we know that GFR physiologically decreases with age, and in adults older than 70 years, values below 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 could be considered normal.

What is a normal creatinine reading?

A normal result is 0.7 to 1.3 mg/dL (61.9 to 114.9 µmol/L) for men and 0.6 to 1.1 mg/dL (53 to 97.2 µmol/L) for women. Women often have a lower creatinine level than men. This is because women often have less muscle mass than men. Creatinine level varies based on a person's size and muscle mass.

Does tacrolimus raise creatinine levels?

The highest tacrolimus level preceeded the rise in serum creatinine in 20 cases by an interval of 1.6 ± 1.8 d. A mean reduction in tacrolimus dosage of 41% ± 21% (range 11–89) led to a 86% ± 18% (range 45–100) fall in the serum creatinine within 1–14 d (p<0.001).

What level of creatinine indicates kidney failure?

Blood Tests A creatinine level of greater than 1.2 for women and greater than 1.4 for men may be an early sign that the kidneys are not working properly.

Why is uric acid high after kidney transplant?

This is often due to side-effects from medications, such as cyclosporine, leading to a high uric acid level in blood.

What happens if you are not born with a transplanted kidney?

Since you were not born with your transplanted kidney, your body will think this new tissue is “foreign” and will try to protect you by “attacking” it. Rejection is a normal response from your body after any transplant surgery. You must take anti-rejection medicine exactly as prescribed to prevent rejection.

What to do if you have a lump on your kidney?

Tell your doctor if you notice a strange lump, bump, sore, ulcer, or colored area on the skin. Follow the advice of your transplant team and kidney doctor for further skin care. Your doctor may recommend going to a dermatologist (skin doctor) for a yearly exam.

How to keep your kidneys from rejecting?

Take your anti-rejection medications daily in the proper dose and at the right times, as directed by the transplant team, to keep your body from rejecting your new kidney. Follow the recommended schedule for lab tests and clinic visits to make sure that your kidney is working properly.

What is the effect of anti-rejection medication on the body?

Anti–rejection (immunosuppressant) medications decrease the body’s natural immune response to a “foreign” substance (your transplanted kidney). They lower (suppress) your immune system and prevent your body from rejecting your new kidney.

Can bone disease continue after kidney transplant?

Bone disease (also known as chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder or CKD-MBD) may continue even after your kidney transplant. CKD-MBD occurs due to medication side-effects, previous kidney disease, diabetes, smoking, lack of exercise, menopause, or number of years on dialysis.

Can kidney transplants cause heart disease?

People with kidney transplants are at greater risk for heart disease. There are many causes for heart disease including: smoking, diabetes, overweight, hypertension, high cholesterol and blood lipids, and number of years on dialysis.

Abstract

Kidney transplant is the leading treatment method for patients with recent renal failure in terms of quality of life, cost, and survival. After transplant, rejection, infection, cardiovascular diseases, malignancies, immunosuppressive therapy failure, and psychologic problems may occur.

References (10)

This study aimed to (1) explore the unmet care needs of spouses of liver or kidney transplant recipients, (2) compare the unmet care needs, depression, and anxiety levels of transplant recipients and their spouses, and (3) identify factors related to spouses’ unmet care needs.

How many medicines do you need after a transplant?

It is not uncommon for patients to go home on ten to twelve different medicines after their transplant.

How long do you have to take antibiotics after a transplant?

You will have to take antibiotics for the first three to six months after your transplant to help prevent infection. You will need to have regular physicals with your primary care doctor for cancer screening including screening for skin cancer which is the most common post-transplant cancer. In addition to the immunosuppressants ...

How long does prednisone last after a transplant?

PREDNISONE – is taken for a few days immediately after your transplant. Some patients will suffer from difficulty sleeping or may feel "hyper". These feelings will pass in a few days. Some patients will need to be on prednisone long term.

Does prednisone affect kidneys?

The decision to use prednisone will be based on the type of kidney disease you have and your risk for rejection. The major side effects of long-term prednisone are increased appetite, stomach ulcers, osteoporosis, diabetes , cataracts, mood swings and Cushing's syndrome.

Does Prograf harm kidneys?

Prograf can also harm your kidneys over time. The dosing of this drug is based on the amount of drug in your blood. You must take care to dose it 12 hours apart and have your blood tests done just before your morning dose. CYCLOSPORINE – is taken twice a day.

What is the goal of kidney transplant?

The goal of kidney transplantation is to restore your state of health to what it was before your kidneys failed. In time, you should be able to return to your normal activity level.

What happens after a transplant?

One of the most common infections in the general population and after transplantation is cytomegalovirus , or CMV. About 80% of the general public has been exposed to CMV and carries this virus. CMV does not cause illness in most people. However, it can cause a syndrome called CMV disease in people who are immunosuppressed, like transplant patients. Although it can occur at any time, CMV most commonly develops during the first 3-6 months after transplant. If you or your donor has ever been exposed to CMV, we will give you medications to help prevent you from developing the infection.

How long does prednisone last after transplant?

This IV treatment will continue for 5 days. If your doctor thinks you need prednisone long-term, you will start oral prednisone at the end of the IV treatment. Although it is available in many tablet strengths, we always prescribe 5 mg tablets and we will tell you how to use them.

How long does it take for thrush to go away after transplant?

Thrush is an oral fungal infection that occasionally occurs in immunosuppressed patients. You will be given an antifungal medication for the first 2 to 3 months after transplant to prevent oral thrush.

What are the infections that can be treated with transplant?

Herpes simplex (cold sores) and Herpes zoster (shingles) are two other viral infections that transplant patients may experience. Similar to CMV, many people have been exposed to the herpes virus (usually in the form of chicken pox during childhood). We will prescribe antiviral medication to help prevent these infections. You should contact the transplant team if you think you have been exposed to any person with chicken pox or shingles. If you do develop one of these infections, they are usually not too severe and can be treated on an outpatient basis.

What is the best medicine for transplant patients?

Tacrolimus (Prograf) is the main immunosuppressive medication that you will take after your transplant. Tacrolimus (Prograf) comes in 5 mg, 1 mg or 0.5 mg capsules. The dose you need depends on your blood levels, kidney function, and side effects. Patients usually take 1mg capsules and the transplant team will tell you how many 1 mg capsules to take in the morning and in the evening. You will need to update your medication card with the correct dosage whenever the transplant team changes your dose. The dose may change based on your blood levels.

How long does it take to get a kidney transplant?

The kidney transplant surgery can take anywhere from 4 - 6 hours. You will be given general anesthesia to put you to sleep during surgery. Once you are asleep, a catheter will be placed into your bladder in order to accurately measure your urine output. This catheter will stay in for 3-5 days after your surgery. The new kidney will be placed low in your right or left lower abdomen, in the front. Unless your doctor feels it is necessary, your diseased kidneys will not be removed.