The biggest problem with kidney transplants is the risk of rejection by the recipient's immune system.
Rejection occurs when the recipient's body recognizes the transplanted kidney as foreign and attacks it. This can lead to kidney damage and failure, necessitating further treatment, including dialysis or another transplant.
Here's a breakdown of the challenges:
- Immune System Response: The human immune system is designed to protect the body from foreign invaders. After a kidney transplant, the immune system may identify the new kidney as a threat.
- Rejection Risk: According to the provided reference, the risk of rejection is highest in the first 3-6 months after the transplant. After this period, the body is less likely to recognize the kidney as foreign.
- Infections: The reference mentions that some infections can come from the donor kidney, representing another potential problem.
To combat rejection, transplant recipients must take immunosuppressant medications for the rest of their lives. These medications suppress the immune system, preventing it from attacking the transplanted kidney. However, immunosuppressants also have side effects, such as:
- Increased risk of infection
- Increased risk of certain cancers
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
Therefore, while kidney transplantation offers a life-saving treatment for end-stage renal disease, managing the risk of rejection and the side effects of immunosuppression remains the biggest challenge.
