Recurrent glomerular diseases in kidney transplants

Recurrent glomerular diseases are a very important consideration for all physicians who offer the possibility of transplantation to their patients. A knowledge of the rates of recurrence is important so that informed consent can be given by the parents and patients. Despite these considerations, the possibility of recurrent glomerular disease occurring in an allograft is rarely, if ever an absolute contraindication for transplantation. History has shown us that ESRD secondary to immunological renal diseases such as SLE that were originally considered nontransplantable is amenable to transplantation, and that recurrence of the original disease is not the problem it was once though to be. These enlightened clinical investigations have allowed us to offer renal transplantation to patients who would have otherwise died. It is important that we continue to allow logic and orderly clinical investigation to direct our therapies rather than relying on presumption.