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Review
. 2009 Feb;106(9):148-56.
doi: 10.3238/arztebl.2009.0148. Epub 2009 Feb 27.

Aftercare for patients with transplanted organs

Harald Schrem  1 , Hannelore Barg-Hock, Christian P Strassburg, Anke Schwarz, Jürgen Klempnauer
Affiliations
Review

Aftercare for patients with transplanted organs

Harald Schrem et al. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2009 Feb.

Abstract

Background: The postoperative management following solid organ transplantation requires close cooperation between family doctors, internists, the local hospital, and the transplant center.

Methods: Selective analysis of current national and international guidelines and relevant review articles.

Results/conclusion: In the early phase post transplantation, aftercare involves inpatient treatment and outpatient or inpatient rehabilitation with the aim of complete social and professional reintegration. Early diagnosis and treatment of typical general complications such as post-transplant diabetes, hyperlipidemia, arterial hypertension, osteoporosis, and kidney failure is essential. Early detection and treatment of malignant disease and opportunistic infections in patients with long-term immunosuppression is desirable. Moreover, organ-specific factors have to be taken into account. In the event of transplant dysfunction, recurrence of the underlying disease in the transplant, chronic or acute rejection, and organ-specific infections and drug toxicity have to be considered.

Keywords: cooperation; organ transplantation; quality of life; rehabilitation; treatment outcome.

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Figures

Figure
Figure
Schematic diagram of the three mainstays of successful aftercare in patients with transplanted organs
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Comment in

  • How up to date was this information?
    Gürtler L. Gürtler L. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2010 Jan;107(3):37; author reply 38. doi: 10.3238/arztebl.2010.0037a. Epub 2010 Jan 15. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2010. PMID: 20140172 Free PMC article. No abstract available.
  • Recommended fluid intake should be tailored to the individual.
    Floege J, Brandenburg V. Floege J, et al. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2010 Jan;107(3):37; author reply 38. doi: 10.3238/arztebl.2010.0037b. Epub 2010 Jan 15. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2010. PMID: 20140173 Free PMC article. No abstract available.
  • Psychosocial aftercare after organ transplantation.
    Wutzler U, Venner M. Wutzler U, et al. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2010 Jan;107(3):38; author reply 38. doi: 10.3238/arztebl.2010.0038a. Epub 2010 Jan 15. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2010. PMID: 20140174 Free PMC article. No abstract available.

References

    1. Schrem H, Till N, Becker T, et al. Langzeit-Outcome nach Lebertransplantation. Chirurg. 2008;79(2):121–129. - PubMed
    1. Taylor AL, Watson CJ, Bradley JA. Immunosuppressive agents in solid organ transplantation: Mechanisms of action and therapeutic efficacy. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol. 2005;56(1):23–46. - PubMed
    1. Schlitt HJ, Barkmann A, Böker KH. Replacement of calcineurin inhibitors with mycophenolate mofetil in liver-transplant patients with renal dysfunction: a randomised controlled study. Lancet. 2001;357:587–591. - PubMed
    1. Schrem H, Lück R, Becker T, Nashan B, Klempnauer J. Update on liver transplantation using cyclosporine. Transplant Proc. 2004;36(1):2525–2531. - PubMed
    1. Kobashigawa JA. Statins in solid organ transplantation: Is there an immunsosuppressive effect? Am J Transplant. 2004;4:1013–1018. - PubMed

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