Organ Rejection After Transplantation - Causes & Prevention

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What is transplant rejection?

Transplant rejection is a process in which a transplant recipient's immune system attacks the transplanted organ or tissue. Your body's immune system usually protects you from substances that may be harmful, such as germs, poisons, and sometimes, cancer cells. These harmful substances have proteins called antigens coating their surfaces.

What is chronic organ rejection?

Chronic organ rejection is a longer-term complication and is especially common in people who have kidney transplants. It can lead to the failure of the transplant and, eventually, of the organ. Without appropriate treatment and management, chronic organ rejection can be fatal. Read on to learn more about transplant rejection.

What does rejection of a new organ mean?

For organ recipients, rejection of the new organ is an issue of such significance that it requires frequent monitoring through blood work, daily medication, and significant expense. Rejection means that the body rejects the new organ because it sees it as a foreign invader similar to an unwanted infection.

What happens if my organ is rejected after a transplant?

The onset of rejection does not mean your organ will be lost, but prompt treatment is critical. The symptoms of rejection depend on the type of transplant you have. Rejection is quite common in the early stages following a transplant. It can occur any time but most commonly takes place within the first 6 months.

What Is Organ Rejection

1. https://transplant.org.au/living-with-your-transplant/the-first-few-days/understanding-rejection/
2. https://www.verywellhealth.com/understanding-and-preventing-organ-transplant-rejection-4147557
3. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/transplant-rejection
4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transplant_rejection
5. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000815.htm
6. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23050-heart-transplant-rejection
7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535410/
8. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/organ-transplants
9. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/liver-disease/liver-transplant/living-with-transplant

Organ Rejection Information

1. https://www.qld.gov.au/health/services/specialists/queensland-liver-transplant-service/liver-transplant-evaluation-and-assessment-guide/rejection