An assessment of the long-term health outcome of renal transplant recipients in Ireland.
BACKGROUND
Renal 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.


OBJECTIVE
In 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.


RESULTS
The 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.


CONCLUSIONS
This study highlights the work needed by the transplantation community to improve patient education, adjust immunosuppression where necessary and aggressively manage patient risk factors.
Al-Aradi
A
A
Department of Nephrology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland. ali.alaradi07@gmail.com
Phelan
P J
PJ
O'Kelly
P
P
Khan
A H
AH
Rahman
M A
MA
Hanley
A
A
Ho
C
C
Kheradmand
F
F
Hickey
D
D
Spencer
S
S
Magee
C
C
Walshe
J J
JJ
Morgan
N
N
Conlon
P J
PJ
D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility; D015438:Health Behavior; D006304:Health Status; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007165:Immunosuppression Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D007239:Infections / Q000453:epidemiology; D007494:Ireland / Q000453:epidemiology; D016030:Kidney Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D055553:Prescription Drugs; D057566:Self Report; D013997:Time Factors
D055553:Prescription Drugs