title: [The follow-up of kidney transplant patients].
abstract: Although the results of kidney transplantation have improved markedly, the long-term survival of renal allografts is still a major challenge. The long-term exposure of recipients to chronic renal failure and chronic immunosuppression increases the burden of infections, cardiovascular diseases, malignancies, and renal bone disease. The prevention and adequate treatment of these complications have become increasingly important. During the first months after kidney transplantation patients are followed carefully with short intervals; in stable patients the follow-up frequency is reduced later. Most important laboratory tests in the follow-up include parameters of graft function and pharmacokinetic monitoring of the immunosuppressive drugs.
authors.affiliation: HYKS:n nefrologian klinikka, HUS.
authors.forename: Ilkka
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Helanterä
authors.forename: Heikki
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Saha
authors.forename: Petri
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Koskinen
mesh_terms: D015897:Comorbidity; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care; D006085:Graft Survival; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D016030:Kidney Transplantation; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000628:therapy*
chemical_list: D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents