Kidney Transplant

Candidates for Kidney Transplant

The typical kidney transplant candidate has a diminished quality of life due to chronic, progressive kidney disease. End-stage kidney disease due to chronic kidney failure occurs when the kidneys are functioning at less than 15 percent of capacity. At this point, kidney dialysis or transplantation is necessary to preserve life.

Research conducted by the U.S. government concluded that the average life span of a patient on hemodialysis is significantly shorter and fraught with many more complications than that of a patient who underwent a successful kidney transplant. Even with the costs of long-term immunosuppressive medicines, the expense is far greater for hemodialysis than for kidney transplantation.

Any chronic kidney disease leading to kidney failure may be an indication for transplant, including the following conditions:

• Type I (insulin-dependent) diabetes
• Glomerulonephritis
• Chronic pyelonephritis
• Interstitial nephritis
• Polycystic renal disease
• Congenital diseases of the kidney
• Dysplasia
• Hypertensive nephropathy

All kidney transplant candidates must have adequate heart-lung function, and cannot have other medical conditions that limit life expectancy. Patients work closely with the transplant team to maximize the benefit and reduce the risk of the procedure. They must be highly motivated to adhere to a strictly regimented medical program before and after surgery. Their commitment does not end after the transplant, as postoperative care and immunosuppressive medications are lifelong requirements.

Not everyone with end-stage kidney disease is a suitable candidate for kidney transplantation. Those with active infection, unstable coronary artery disease or other severe medical problems generally are not candidates for transplant.