• A Al-Aradi, P J Phelan, P O'Kelly, A H Khan, M A Rahman, A Hanley, C Ho, F Kheradmand, D Hickey, S Spencer, C Magee, J J Walshe, N Morgan, and P J Conlon.
• Department of Nephrology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland. ali.alaradi07@gmail.com
• Ir J Med Sci. 2009 Dec 1; 178 (4): 407-12.

BackgroundRenal transplantation remains the preferred method of renal replacement therapy in terms of patient survival, quality of life and cost. However, patients have a high risk of complications ranging from rejection episodes, infection and cancer, amongst others.Aims And MethodsIn this study, we sought to determine the long-term health outcomes and preventive health measures undertaken for the 1,536 living renal transplant patients in Ireland using a self-reported questionnaire. Outcomes were divided into categories, namely, general health information, allograft-related information, immunosuppression-related complications and preventive health measures.ResultsThe results demonstrate a high rate of cardiovascular, neoplastic and infectious complications in our transplant patients. Moreover, preventive health measures are often not undertaken by patients and lifestyle choices can be poor.ConclusionsThis study highlights the work needed by the transplantation community to improve patient education, adjust immunosuppression where necessary and aggressively manage patient risk factors.

28 keywords...

hide…