Chronic transplant rejection
What is Chronic Transplant Rejection?
Chronic transplant rejection is a long-term rejection of an organ or tissue transplant, typically occurring over the months and years after transplant surgery. It is the result of an immune response to the foreign organ or tissue, where the body's immune cells attack and attempt to destroy the transplanted tissue or organ. To minimize the risk of chronic rejection, doctors must find good matches between the donor and recipient, as well as prescribe immunosuppressant medicines that can reduce the risk of an immune response.
What Causes Chronic Transplant Rejection?
Chronic transplant rejection occurs because the body’s immune system does not recognize organs or tissues from a different donor. After a transplant, the body's immune system receptors detect the foreign organ or tissue and trigger the release of antibodies to attack and reject it.
What Are the Signs of Chronic Transplant Rejection?
The signs and symptoms of chronic transplant rejection vary from person to person and organ system to organ system, but can include the following:
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
- Decrease in organ function
- Organ pain
- Infections
- Fluid retention
- Increased organ size
How Can Chronic Transplant Rejection Be Treated?
The primary treatment for chronic transplant rejection is immunosuppressive medications, which can help reduce the immune response and minimize the risk of organ transplants being rejected. Other treatments include regular biopsies of the transplanted organ to monitor for any signs of rejection, as well as lifestyle modifications such as avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol. In severe cases, a second transplant of the original organ may be necessary.