Renal Transplantation in High-Risk Patients

Authors: Weimert, Nicole A.¹; Alloway, Rita R.²

Source: Drugs, Volume 67, Number 11, 2007 , pp. 1603-1627(25)

Buy & download fulltext article:

Price: $68.55 plus tax (Refund Policy)

Abstract:

Renal transplantation in high-risk patients is a growing phenomenon. More patients are progressing to endstage renal failure, in the setting of an increased incidence of diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. Current organ shortages and the use of more marginal donors have affected both patient and graft survival. Acute rejection has been minimised under modern immunosuppression; however, patient and long-term allograft outcomes have not improved concurrently. Specific understanding of donor, recipient and allograft variables associated with stratification of patients as `high risk for renal transplantation' is necessary to facilitate appropriate peri- and post-transplant pharmacotherapy. Induction and maintenance immunosuppression choices are different for high-risk patients and must be made to ensure optimal immunosuppression, while limiting patient and allograft toxicity.

Keywords: Alemtuzumab; Antithymocyte globulin; Renal transplant; Renal transplant rejection; Risk factors

Document Type: Review article

Affiliations: 1: 1 Department of Pharmacy Services, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA 2: 2 Department of Medicine, Division of Hypertension/Nephrology, Section of Transplantation, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA

Publication date: 2007-01-01