Treatment

What complications might a child experience as a result of a transplant?

Answer

Kidney transplants have a very high success rate, with more than 85-90 percent of recipients being matched successfully in the first year of receiving a new organ. Despite this high success rate, parents of children living with ARPKD should be conscious of the potential risks following surgery. In ARPKD patients, infection is the most serious concern after receiving a kidney transplant. Children with ARPKD who receive a transplant are twice as likely to die from bacterial infections as children receiving kidney transplants for other conditions. However, the risk of a post-transplantation infection can be successfully reduced by taking medications. Both parents and children living with ARPKD following a transplant can take additional precautions towards preventing infection, including avoiding large, crowded spaces, washing their hands frequently, minimizing contact with animals, and practicing good dental care.