Delayed complications of renal transplantation and their prevention

The complications of cadaveric renal transplantation in a group of 10-year survivors are presented. Fifty-two (44%) of 119 graft recipients survived more than 10 years, 48 with their original allograft. The major causes of death in the others were bacterial (24%) and other (10%) infections, cerebral (12%) and myocardial (7.5%) vascular disease. Serious morbidity in the survivors included infectious episodes (55%), skin cancer (40%), vascular disease (30%), cataracts (45%) and aseptic necrosis of bone (13%). Only six (12%) patients had no complications. Although complications were frequent, 34 patients (72%) were fully rehabilitated to work or household duties. Several recipients have become parents. Prevention of the late complications of transplantation must be aimed at reducing the known risk factors early in the course of renal failure. These include hypertension, obesity, cigarette smoking and sun exposure.