[Immunosuppressive therapy following kidney transplantation]

Immunosuppressive therapy is necessary after transplanting allogenous organs. Various methods of non-specific immunosuppression are discussed. It is usually achieved by combined administration of glucocorticosteroids, azathioprine and antilymphocyte globulin. Improvement may result from using cyclosporine A. Other methods such as total radiation of the lymph nodes, drainage of the thoracic duct or plasmapheresis are restricted in their application because of additional high risk and the additional effort. Complications after a kidney transplantation are often complications of the immunosuppressive therapy. Low dosage of the substances used and limitation of the dosage in the therapy of acute rejection seem to be advisable.