Chapter 1: The Misconception of Kidney Transplants

Many people mistakenly believe that receiving a kidney transplant is a definitive solution to kidney failure. While having a healthy kidney is certainly beneficial, the reality is more complex. Although transplants are the gold standard in treating kidney failure—far superior to dialysis—the longevity of the transplanted kidney largely depends on how well the donor and recipient are matched, as well as the recipient's commitment to maintaining their health.

On average, kidneys from deceased donors last between 10 to 15 years, whereas those from living donors can endure for 15 to 20 years. However, averages can be misleading; there are numerous instances where recipients have retained their transplants for 25 or even 35 years. For instance, the kidney I donated to my son 18 years ago remains healthy and functional.

The National Kidney Registry aims to not only boost the number of transplants but also enhance matching processes to foster long-lasting outcomes. Last year, I attended an insightful symposium about critical advancements in donor-recipient compatibility, hosted by the National Kidney Donation Organization (NKDO). From these discussions, one key takeaway stood out to me: the concept of "eplets."

After the symposium, I penned a blog entry discussing the revolutionary idea of low-eplet mismatch. This post draws heavily from that earlier piece.

Section 1.1: The Complexity of Compatibility

It turns out that compatibility in kidney transplants is much more intricate than I had previously thought. You may be familiar with HLA antigens, where a "6-out-of-6" match is often touted as the ideal. However, even antigens that appear to match can have different eplet patterns, which serve as immunological identifiers.

For the record, I'm not a transplant surgeon, a scientist, or a medical journalist, so please consult a qualified expert for accurate information—perhaps even take a moment to search for "Kidney for Life."

I had encountered the term "eplet" in various contexts, but it was during Dr. Dorry Segev’s presentation at the symposium that I truly grasped its significance. It's essential for both potential donors and recipients to start discussing eplets, asking questions like, "Do you test for eplets?"

Dr. Segev emphasizes that everyone should inquire about this before proceeding with a transplant or donation. It's important to note that not all transplant centers conduct the detailed "high-resolution typing" necessary to identify eplet mismatches. The number of mismatches can significantly impact the success of a transplant; a greater number may lead to kidney deterioration and rejection, while a lower mismatch could allow for a more enduring transplant that requires less immunosuppression.

Subsection 1.1.1: The Future of Eplets in Transplantation

Chapter 2: Embracing Living Donation

As a living kidney donor myself—I donated to my son in 2006—I am passionate about promoting living donation. If I can navigate the process, I believe others can too. I also co-authored a book titled The Insider's Guide to Living Kidney Donation: Everything You Need to Know If You Give (or Get) the Greatest Gift, which offers further insights into this vital topic.

For additional resources and related information, please explore the rest of my website.

Originally published at http://kidneydonorhelp.com on July 31, 2024.