[Medical follow-up after organ transplantation]

MEDICAL FOLLOW-UP AFTER ORGAN TRANSPLANTATION. The role of the general practitioner is essential in the follow-up of solid organ transplant patients, both in the first year and over the long term, particularly beyond the first year, in relation to the organ transplant specialist. Within the first-year post-transplant the patient can present very specific complications related to the transplanted organ itself (acute rejection) or to the immunosuppressive drugs (toxicities) such as opportunistic infections. In every organ transplant center, there is a hotline or a shared application where the patient will be able to expose to a paramedic his problems to solve them as soon as possible. Beyond the first-year post-transplant most of the situations that arise can be managed by the general practioner in coordination with the transplant center. This includes the trough levels of immunosuppressive drugs, an increase in serum creatinine, in glycemia or in LDL cholesterol. Immunosuppressive drugs increase the risk of viral- induced cancers, particularly of the skin and cervix; screening is therefore essential, with the help of the general practitioner. When the general practitioner has identified a potential serious problem he will have to contact the reference transplant center.