HEALTHY NUTRITIONAL PRODUCTS

Archive for November, 2009

Risks of Kidney Transplants.

Kidney transplants have become familiar procedures and those with kidney failure, often ESRD also known as end-stage renal disease, go through dialysis until a kidney becomes available. However what is involved in a transplant and what are some of the risks?

When do the Kidneys Fail?

Kidney failure is defined generally as a 10% decrease in renal function. This number combines a variety of dimensions, since the kidney itself executes several tasks such as:

• regulates fluid level.
• electrolyte concentrations.
• influences blood pressure.
• many vital activities.

When its ability to do this falls outside an adequate range, treatment is necessary. If these forms of treatment do not work, a transplant is the next step.

However there are numerous dangers connected with a kidney transplant, even apart from the normal ones that come with any serious surgical procedure. Following a kidney transplant:

• bleeding during or after surgery is possible.
• infection although there are excellent drugs accessible, is still a general concern.
• heart attack and stroke, although rare, are not unfamiliar.
• blood vessels in the kidney can clot or narrow, after surgery. This elevates blood pressure and in some extreme cases can lead to tissue death or even organ failure.
• urine may leak into the body from a malfunctioning urinary tract.
• clots may form in the ureters or bladder.

However, without a doubt, the foremost ongoing threat is organ rejection.

Your Immune System.

The body’s immune system is geared to identify foreign objects. This is how it attacks invading bacteria without doing harm to surrounding native cells. When a kidney is transplanted, the body sees the organ’s cells as a foreign substance. Without immuno-suppresive drugs, the immune system will attack the newly transplanted organ.

This possibility can be reduced by using a donor organ from a close relative, because they are a comparatively close genetic match, prompting a much less extreme immune system reaction.

A living donor who is unrelated represents the next best choice. A possible alternative, although the least favorable from a rejection perspective, involves a donor organ from a recently deceased individual.
Immuno-suppresant drugs are utilized to address the issue in all cases.

There are actually two classes of drugs, corresponding to the two types of potential rejection: acute or chronic.

• acute rejection would occur within the first few weeks after surgery and immuno-suppressants will generally do a very good job of dealing with this issue.
• chronic rejection occurs over a longer period, often despite the drugs and involves a slow, progressive level of kidney function.

Unfortunately, those immuno-suppressive drugs which are required even in the best of cases also come with risks, both short term and long term. They can significantly boost the odds of diabetes, a disease which can be either a cause or a result of kidney disease. They also can amplify the chances of heart attack.

Signs Drugs Aren’t Working.

Some signs that the drugs are no longer working include:

• fever.
• soreness in the kidney area after the pain of surgery itself has subsided.
• significant changes in urine production.

Only your physician often along with a specialist can give proper advice on the full range of risks and benefits, and treatment options for kidney disease. However being aware of the most general risks can help prepare you for that conversation.

~ To your health and well-being
Healthy Nutritional Products.