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Rejection and Kidney/Pancreas Transplant HF#6796

Rejection is when your body’s immune system attacks your transplanted organ and tries to destroy it.  There are different kinds of rejection that need different kinds of treatment.

 

Acute Cellular Rejection

 

Cellular rejection is a direct recognition of the transplanted organ.  The T or killer cells of your immune system see your organ as foreign.  Cellular rejection is diagnosed by biopsy.  The treatment is to receive high-dose steroids.  The sooner it is treated, the better the outcome will be.  If the rejection does not respond to the steroids, thymo or other medicine may be used to treat it. Your doctor may change your drug level goal to prevent rejection in the future.

 

Antibody-Mediated or Humoral Rejection

 

Antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) is an indirect recognition of the transplanted organ.  The B cells or memory cells of your immune system recognize pieces of cells from the transplant, start an immune response, and make new antibodies against the organ.  A biopsy shows rejection, and is positive for C4d staining.  Treatment includes medicines such as CMV Immunoglobulin (IgG), rituximab and/or steroids.  If it is needed, plasmaphoresis can be used to remove the antibodies.

 

The sooner a rejection is found and treated, the better the outcome will be. Therefore, you should be sure to have your labs drawn as directed.

 

Signs of Kidney Rejection

Signs of Pancreas Rejection
  • Increased creatinine
  • Increased temperature
  • Increased weight
  • Decreased urine output
  • Ankle swelling
  • Swollen, tenderness over kidney
  • Aching all over
  • Increased glucoses
  • Increased amylase
  • Increased lipase
  • Increased temperature
  • Tenderness over pancreas
  • Aching all over, body aches

 

Tests that are done to rule out rejection include labs, ultrasound, scans, or biopsy.

 

Call us if you notice any signs of rejection.

 

On weekdays call the transplant office at (608) 263-1384. 

 



The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Last Updated: 11/09/2011

Copyright © 11/09/2011 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#6796

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