Kidney transplant in Nigeria: a single centre experience

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Transplantation Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Kidney transplant is the preferred renal replacement therapy for end-stage kidney disease.
• Management in resource-poor countries faces significant mental, financial, and infrastructural hurdles.
• Evaluating kidney transplant management in Nigeria is crucial for improving care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the management of kidney transplant patients at a Nigerian kidney care center.
• To identify challenges and outcomes associated with kidney transplantation in a resource-limited environment.

Main Methods:

• A non-randomized prospective study was conducted.
• Data collected included biodata, pre- and post-transplant details from August 2010 to December 2014.
• Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 17.

Main Results:

• 47 patients (M:F ratio 4:1, mean age 45.4 years) were studied.
• Common CKD causes: glomerulonephritis, hypertension, diabetes, HIV-related kidney disease.
• Financial constraints (66%) and donor availability (17.2%) delayed transplants; 90% occurred in India, 81% self-financed.
• Graft survival: 95.3% at 1 year, 67.6% at 3 years.
• Patient survival: 97.7% at 1 year, 82.4% at 3 years.
• Common complications: septicaemia, acute rejection, urinary tract infections.

Conclusions:

• Kidney transplant management in resource-poor settings has a positive outlook.
• Addressing financial and infrastructural challenges is key to improving patient outcomes.
• Despite complications, successful kidney transplantation is achievable.