Immunosuppression following organ transplantation. Part 2: complications and their management

Advances in the care of patients who have had a solid organ transplant has led to a growing population of post-transplant patients, who are also living for longer. As a result of their longer life expectancy, transplant recipients often face a multitude of challenges, including optimising their immunosuppressive regimens and managing potential complications. Life-threatening infections, malignancies, and organ-specific toxicities are the complications post-transplant patients commonly encounter and these complications are often associated with increased morbidity and mortality, adverse graft functioning and survival, profound impairment in the patient's quality of life, and significant healthcare burden. This article, the second of two parts, gives an overview of the issues involved in the care of patients who are receiving immunosuppressants. The common complications encountered by post-transplant patients are discussed and their assessment, management, prevention and treatment explored.