B12.5 Kidney transplants

Question 1

What is the problem of transplanting a kidney?

Answer 1

Can lead to the antibodies of the immune system to attack the antigens of the donor organ because the antigens are different to the immune system - causes rejection and destruction of the donated kidney

Question 2

What are the ways to reduce the risk of the rejection of the kidney?

Answer 2

Match between antigens as close as possible

Or give immunosuppressant drugs

Question 3

What are immunosuppressant drugs?

Answer 3

Supresses their immune system and prevent rejection of the new organ
However prevents the patient from dealing with infectious diseases

Question 4

What are the problems with the lifetimes of transplanted organs?

Answer 4

Last around 9 years but some last much longer - then the person has to be in a dialysis machine

Question 5

What are the uses of stem cells in kidneys?

Answer 5

Can grow functioning embryonic kidney tissues

Question 6

Dialysis or transplant?

Answer 6

Dialysis is much more available than donor organs - however, you are tied to a special diet and regular sessions on the machine and long term dialysis is much more expensive than transplant

Transplant means you are free from restrictions such as what you can eat and drink - however you have to be on drugs for the rest of your life

Question 7

What are the main sources of kidneys?

Answer 7

Dead people

Question 8

How does someone with a kidney transplant overcome the problem of kidney failure?

Answer 8

The transplanted kidney takes on functions of failed kidneys, balancing blood chemistry and removing urea

Question 9

What are the reasons why transplants come from a close family member (live kidney)

Answer 9

Live organs have no tissue damage,

Family donors often a close tissue match

Question 10

Why are live donor transplants rare?

Answer 10

Taking organs from a healthy, living person can threaten their health.
Surgery always carries a risk.

Question 11

Advantages and disadvantages of treating kidney failure?

Answer 11

Dialysis:
• machines available,
• no problem with tissue matching,
• time‑consuming,
• lifetime commitment,
• expensive in the long‑term,
• diet must be carefully controlled;
Transplant:
• shortage of donors,
• need tissue match,
• limited transplant lifespan,
• immunosuppressant drugs post‑transplant relatively cheap,
• permits relatively normal life