Kidney Transplant Evaluation: Patient Seminar | UCLA Transplant Services

Summary

This video provides essential information about the kidney transplant evaluation process at UCLA. It covers treatment options for kidney failure, highlighting the benefits and risks of transplantation. The evaluation aims to assess a patient's health and support system, and discusses the roles of the transplant team. It also outlines waiting times based on blood type and emphasizes living donation as a faster alternative. Additionally, it reviews responsibilities while on the waiting list and underscores the lifelong commitment required post-transplant, including medication adherence and regular follow-up care.

Takeaways

• 😀 Kidney transplant offers improved quality of life and freedom from dialysis for patients with kidney failure.
• 😀 Surgical risks of kidney transplantation include bleeding, infection, and complications from anesthesia.
• 😀 Medical risks involve immunosuppression leading to higher chances of infections and certain cancers.
• 😀 The evaluation aims to determine if patients are healthy enough for a transplant and have adequate caregiver support.
• 😀 The transplant team comprises doctors, nurses, social workers, and other specialists who work collaboratively.
• 😀 Waiting time for a transplant varies significantly by blood type and the presence of living donors.
• 😀 Living donations can greatly reduce wait times and improve access to transplants.
• 😀 Deceased donor options include PHS kidneys and KDP I scores, which can also shorten wait times.
• 😀 Patients on the waiting list must maintain health and keep the transplant team updated on any changes.
• 😀 Post-transplant care involves lifelong commitment to medications and regular health check-ups.

Q & A

What are the main treatment options for patients with kidney failure?

The main treatment options include dialysis, kidney transplant, and no treatment at all.

What are some benefits of undergoing a kidney transplant?

Benefits include improved quality of life, freedom from dialysis, fewer dietary restrictions, resolution of complications from chronic kidney disease, and a generally longer life expectancy.

What are the potential risks associated with kidney transplantation?

Risks include surgical complications like bleeding and infection, as well as medical risks related to immunosuppression, such as higher infection risk and increased chance of certain cancers.

How does immunosuppression affect patients post-transplant?

Immunosuppression lowers the immune response to prevent kidney rejection but increases the risk of infections and certain cancers over time.

What is the goal of the kidney transplant evaluation?

The goal is to determine if the patient is healthy enough for a transplant and if there are any medical conditions that could interfere with a successful outcome.

How can patients decrease their waiting time for a kidney transplant?

Patients can decrease their waiting time through living donations, paired exchange programs, and by being listed at multiple transplant centers.

What is the kidney donor profile index (KDPI)?

The KDPI is a scoring system that estimates how long a deceased donor kidney is expected to function, ranging from 1 to 100 percent.

What should patients do while on the waiting list for a transplant?

Patients should inform their nurse coordinator of any health changes, keep up with routine healthcare, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

What happens when a kidney becomes available for a patient?

The patient will receive a phone call about the offer and must respond within one hour. If they do not respond, the kidney will be offered to another patient.

What are the commitments required after a kidney transplant?

Patients must take their medications daily, attend all clinic appointments, maintain contact with the transplant team, and make healthy lifestyle choices.