4.7.7

Transplants

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Kidney Transplant

Human beings are normally born with two kidneys but can survive with one kidney. Kidney donors can survive after donating a kidney, but they do put themselves at risk of complications.

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Close relative

  • Many patients choose to have a kidney transplant, which often comes from a close relative. Close relatives have a higher chance of being a tissue match.
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Other registered donor

  • Kidneys can also be transplanted from people who have recently died, provided that they are a tissue match and have registered onto the organ donor register.
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Immunosuppressants

  • Patients receiving a donor kidney often have to take immunosuppressant drugs for the rest of their lives.
  • These drugs suppress the immune system to prevent it from attempting to destroy the foreign cells of the transplanted kidney.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Kidney Transplants

Many patients choose to have a kidney transplant if they need one. The donated kidney often comes from a close relative.

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Advantages

  • The patient does not need to have dialysis treatment, which is time-consuming.
  • Transplants are cheaper than dialysis in the long run.
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Disadvantages

  • The kidney may be rejected by the body.
  • There can be long waiting lists for kidney transplants.
  • The patient often has to take immunosuppressant drugs. These can make a patient more prone to other infections.

Jump to other topics

1Principles of Science I

1.1Structure & Bonding

1.2Properties of Substances

1.3Cell Structure & Function

1.4Cell Specialisation

1.5Tissue Structure & Function

1.6Working with Waves

1.7Waves in Communication

2Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques

3Science Investigation Skills

4Principles of Science II

4.1Extracting Elements

4.2Relating Properties to use of Substances

4.3Organic Chemistry

4.4Energy Changes in Industry

4.5The Circulatory System

4.6Ventilation & Gas Exchange

4.7Urinary System

4.8Cell Transport

4.9Thermal Physics

4.10Materials

4.11Fluids

5Contemporary Issues in Science

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