Issues and concerns in the management of progressive allograft dysfunction: A narrative review

Abstract

Nephrologists taking care of dialysis patients are increasingly encountering patients returning to dialysis after a failed transplant. These patients have a different pathophysiology and their medical issues differ from transplant-naïve dialysis patients. Prolonged cumulative immunosuppression and long-term exposure to chronic kidney disease (CKD) pathology are major factors responsible for increased complications and mortality. Often, their CKD-related issues are managed suboptimally as the emphasis is mostly on endeavors related to protecting allograft function. Managing their immunosuppression and allograft-related symptomatology poses serious challenges. There is also a dilemma as to whether the failed allograft should be left in situ or not. Considerate and appropriate decisions are required when these kidney allograft failure patients are offered re-transplantation. This review aims to address the major issues faced by transplant nephrologists in managing patients with allograft failure.

Keywords

• allograft failure
• allograft nephrectomy
• graft intolerance syndrome