How long can you live after a kidney transplant?

Kidney transplantation is the last option for patients with kidney disease. The process is very complicated, including finding a suitable kidney source, transplant surgery, observation and care of postoperative changes, long-term anti-rejection, etc. So how long can you live after a kidney transplant? The survival rate of kidney transplant patients requires comprehensive consideration, for example, whether the kidney source is good, whether the body has strong rejection, and the patient's own physical condition. Therefore, there is no definite value.

Kidney transplantation can be said to be the last choice for kidney patients. The process is relatively complicated, including finding a suitable kidney source, transplant surgery, observation and care of postoperative changes, long-term anti-rejection, etc. However, one thing that many patients are very concerned about is how long they can survive after kidney transplantation.

Which primary pathological types of kidney disease are more likely to lead to postoperative rejection or recurrence? Here is a summary of kidney diseases that are prone to relapse:

The recurrence rates of IGA, purpuric nephritis, and lupus are very low, so generally speaking, you can rest assured.

Anti-glomerular basement membrane: Anti-glomerular basement membrane antibodies should be negative for at least 6-12 months before kidney transplantation to reduce the possibility of recurrence.

Hemolytic uremic syndrome, recurrence rate 1%-25%.

Focal stage glomerulosclerosis has a recurrence rate of approximately 40%, and half of the recurrent patients will lose renal function.

Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis type 1 has a recurrence rate as high as 70%, of which 30% may lose renal function as a result. Type II patients will basically relapse, but clinical manifestations are rare.

Although there is a risk of recurrence after kidney transplantation, doing the following will reduce the recurrence rate, so it is really important.

(1) Maintain a positive attitude. An optimistic mood and a positive attitude are very important for the recovery of kidney transplant patients, so you must learn to adjust your mentality and avoid the influence of negative emotions.

(2) Regular follow-up at the hospital. Patients who have undergone kidney transplantation need to go to the hospital for regular follow-up examinations and truthfully inform the doctor of their own condition so that rejection reactions and adverse drug reactions can be detected early, and the treatment drugs can be adjusted according to their own conditions.

(3) No smoking, no drinking, and pay attention to diet. Smoking and drinking can cause damage to the lungs, liver, and microvessels, and even cause tumors, which in turn threaten the transplanted kidney. Therefore, kidney transplant patients should avoid smoking and drinking. Kidney transplant patients should eat a balanced diet, avoid high-salt, high-fat, and high-sugar foods, eat less seafood and other high-purine foods, and drink plenty of water. In addition, kidney transplant patients have low resistance and should pay attention to dietary hygiene. Otherwise, they are prone to abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting, which can lead to water loss and even dehydration, seriously affecting kidney function.

(4) Avoid going to public places. Kidney transplant patients have low immunity and are more susceptible to infection. Therefore, it is best to avoid going to public places, especially during epidemic seasons of infectious diseases such as influenza, meningitis and hepatitis, to avoid increasing the chance of infection.

(5) Minor wounds should be treated promptly. Kidney transplant patients should pay attention to even minor wounds, whether they are skin abrasions, scratches or skin boils, and they should be treated promptly. Be careful not to squeeze skin boils, especially those on the face, because the facial veins have no venous valves and the venous blood goes directly into the skull. Once bacteria enter the skull, it can cause intracranial infection. In short, any minor illness or injury must be treated promptly to prevent the spread of infection and cause sepsis, or even life-threatening conditions.

(6) Avoid excessive compression of the transplanted kidney. The transplanted kidney is placed in the iliac fossa, which is shallow from the body surface and is easily bruised when squeezed by external force. Therefore, the protection of this "key area" should be strengthened in normal times. When going out, whether walking or riding in a car, try to be steady to avoid collision with the transplanted kidney and causing unnecessary damage.

(7) Sexual life should be moderate. For unmarried young people, if their renal function is normal after kidney transplantation, they can get married and start a family 2 to 3 years later. However, the frequency of sexual life should be moderate. It is considered moderate if they feel energetic the next day, have no fatigue, and do not have symptoms such as back pain. Pay special attention to the cleanliness of the perineum after sexual intercourse to prevent urinary tract infection.

(8) Regarding fertility issues, for male kidney transplant patients, if their renal function remains normal after surgery, there will be no significant impact on their fertility. Pregnancy in female patients will increase the burden on the kidneys, anti-rejection drugs will have adverse effects on the fetus, and the enlarged uterus in late pregnancy will compress the transplanted kidney in the iliac fossa, etc., which may cause proteinuria, edema, and even azotemia. After delivery, the function of the transplanted kidney can be improved, but in some patients, it is difficult for the renal function to return to normal. Therefore, in principle, it is best for female kidney transplant patients not to have children and to reduce the number of artificial abortions to avoid inducing rejection reactions and causing serious consequences.