Possible Effects of Immunosuppressive Therapy on Male Fertility and Pregnancy Outcomes After Paternal Exposure in Kidney Transplant Patients

Abstract

Kidney transplantation is a crucial treatment for improving the quality of life of patients with renal failure. Immunosuppressive drugs are necessary to prevent organ rejection and are vital for the success of the transplantation. However, there is limited information on the potential adverse effects of these drugs on male fertility. Observational studies suggest that paternal drug exposure, as well as maternal drug exposure, may contribute to the risk of teratogenicity. This presents challenges in managing the treatment of men on chronic medication who are planning to conceive. The purpose of this article was to raise awareness among clinicians of this issue by examining the impact of immunosuppressive drugs used in renal transplant patients on paternal fertility and teratogenicity. Although further studies are required to understand the long-term effects of these drugs, it is recommended that options such as sperm banking should be considered in patients who are planning to have children and are considering immunosuppressive therapy.

Keywords

• kidney transplantation
• male
• fertility
• paternal exposure
• teratogens
• pregnancy