Renal and liver transplantation for toxin-induced organ failure

Determine the number and outcome of renal (January 1987-June 2001, inclusive) and liver transplants (January 1993-June 2001) performed in Ireland for drug or toxin-induced organ failure and identify the toxins involved.

Retrospective review of national transplant coordinators' records and patient charts.

Fourteen patients received renal transplants for nephropathy secondary to drugs or toxins. In 12 of these cases, renal failure was attributed to chronic toxicity, principally cyclosporin A therapy (seven cases). One-year patient and graft survival were 100%. Twenty-nine liver transplants were for toxin-induced organ failure, and 20 of these were for chronic ethanol induced liver disease. One-year patient and graft survival rates were 77% and 73%, respectively.

Kidney and liver transplants were needed more often because of chronic toxicity than acute poisoning. Both groups had good outcomes at one year post-transplantation.