Kidney transplantation in the context of renal replacement therapy.
Kidney transplantation has dramatically evolved from a life-saving yet unproven therapy for patients with renal failure to a mature field that is the preferred treatment for those suffering from ESRD. Patients who receive a transplant experience a 68% lower risk of death compared with those waiting on dialysis for a transplant. This benefit is afforded to all patient subgroups including the elderly (> or =70 yr), and diabetics, who can gain 11 yr of extra life with transplantation. Prolonged transplant wait times result in a higher risk of death but this can be ameliorated with preemptive transplantation. Future challenges will focus on appropriate organ allocation and addressing long-term renal function and comorbid conditions so patients can enjoy the full benefits of transplantation.
Division of Nephrology and Comprehensive Transplant Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA. todd.pesavento@osumc.edu
Todd E
TE
Pesavento
D015897:Comorbidity; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery* / Q000628:therapy*; D016030:Kidney Transplantation / Q000401:mortality / Q000639:trends*; D017582:Renal Replacement Therapy / Q000401:mortality / Q000639:trends*; D012307:Risk Factors