Author Description

Kidney (renal) transplantation is the treatment of choice for most patients wtih end-stage renal disease. It is associated wtih better quality of life, allowing for more freedom, and less lifestyle restrictions than dialysis. The shortage of organ donors, however, remains a major obstacle to successful, early transplantation. This shortage has actually worsened despite an increase in living family-related and unrelated donors. On the other hand, over the last 10 years, allograft and recipient survival have significantly improved. This encouraging outcome reflects many factors, particularly a favorable shift in the balance between efficacy and toxicity of immunosuppressive drugs. There are several older and more recent immunosuppressive agents used in clinical practice, all with their own unique tolerability and side effect profiles, necessitating proper patient selection, as well as monitoring and management of side effects, while promoting optimal organ function and patient quality of life.Oxford American Pocket Notes: Renal Transplantation aims to offer an ultra-concise, portable, evidence-based resource on the management of the pre- and post-transplant patient. The volume contains discussion on expanding living donor initiatives, pharmacological management in post-transplant patients (including extensive information on side-effects management of anti-rejection drugs, as well as proper patient selection for each agent) and key insights into medical issues affecting transplant patients.