A CRITICAL APPRAISAL OF THE USE INDUCTION AGENTS IN LOW RISK KIDNEY TRANSPLANT RECIPIENTS – A NIGERIAN PERSPECTIVE

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Olufunmilade Akinfolarin Omisanjo
Jacob Olugbenga Awobusuyi

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Abstract

 


Abstract


Kidney transplant is now generally accepted as the treatment of choice for patients with end-stage renal disease. This is because of its association with improved survival and quality of life when compared with other forms of renal replacement therapy. Immunosuppression including induction has played a strong role over the years in improving the outcomes of renal transplant.


The main aim of transplant immunosuppression is renal allograft survival in the long term and the patient survival while at the same time reducing the risk of known attendant complications of immunosuppression such as malignancies and infection.


The use of induction immunosuppression in low risk kidney transplant recipients varies with different transplant programmes. Different studies in different environments have varying conclusions. While some argue for the use of antibodies as part of induction immunosuppression protocol, the prohibitive cost of these agents preclude their regular use in resource poor environments. There is also the argument about the cost benefit of the use of such expensive medications in recipients with low immunological risk in poor environments.


This review article critically reappraises the use of induction agents in low risk kidney transplant recipients in Nigeria

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