Kidney Transplant Benefits and Risks for IgA Nephropathy

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Even with the many benefits of a kidney transplant, this procedure isn’t without risks and challenges.

Surgical Risks

A kidney transplant is generally considered very safe, and serious complications are relatively rare, says Ryan. But like any major procedure, it carries some risks, which include:

  • Bleeding
  • Changes in blood pressure during surgery
  • Problems with wound healing
  • Injury to nearby organs
  • Infection
  • Pulmonary embolism (blood clots that can travel to the lungs)
  • Heart-related complications, such as a heart attack or irregular heartbeat
  • Death, in rare cases
The weeks and months after kidney transplantation involve frequent appointments with your care team so they can monitor for potential complications.

 When problems do occur, they can often be treated successfully. Most people go on to have a functioning transplanted kidney and enjoy the benefits of life after transplant, says Ryan.

Immunosuppressant Drug Side Effects

To keep your new kidney healthy, you’ll need to take anti-rejection medications, called immunosuppressants, for the rest of your life after the transplant, says Rafael Villicana, MD, a nephrologist and the medical director of kidney transplantation at Loma Linda University Health in San Bernardino, California.

These medications prevent your immune system from attacking the new kidney.

 But because they lower your immune system’s activity, your body may have a hard time fighting infections.

In the first several months after a transplant, when immunosuppression is at its highest, your care team will monitor you closely and may prescribe medications like antibiotics to prevent infections, says Ryan. Even after that window, your infection risk remains higher than average, which means it’s important to seek care promptly if you develop symptoms, including a fever, she adds.

Another common concern with long-term immunosuppression is an increased risk of cancer, specifically skin cancers like squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma. These types of cancers are typically treatable when caught early.

 “Patients are instructed to have an annual screening visit with a dermatologist to assess for any abnormal skin lesions,” Ryan says.

It’s also important to wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day.

Immunosuppressants can also increase the risk of certain health conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and elevated cholesterol, says Haririan. To help manage potential medication side effects, notify your care team about any new or changing symptoms.

IgAN Recurrence After Transplant

One question many people with IgAN have is whether the disease can come back after a kidney transplant. While rates of recurrence found in scientific research vary, some studies estimate that up to 60 percent of people will experience IgAN recurrence after a kidney transplant.

This happens because the underlying process that caused IgAN in the original kidneys can still occur after transplantation, says Dr. Villicana. Recurrence appears to be more common in certain groups, including younger transplant recipients and those who received a transplant relatively soon after their IgAN diagnosis, with limited or no dialysis in between.

But recurrence does not automatically mean the transplanted kidney will fail. Ryan notes that some recurrences are mild and cause no problems, while others lead to rapid kidney dysfunction and eventual failure. When caught early, IgAN recurrence can be treated, Villicana says.

Some of the immunosuppressive medications used to prevent rejection may also help reduce the risk of recurrence, says Ali, adding that there are now more treatment options for IgAN than in the past.

For these reasons, staying consistent with your medications and keeping up with medical appointments remains an important part of life after transplant. This allows your care team to monitor for recurrence and address any concerns early.



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