Reproductive Health in Kidney Transplant Recipients

Adv Kidney Dis Health. 2024 Sep;31(5):466-475. doi: 10.1053/j.akdh.2024.04.006.

Abstract

Increasing number of women with kidney transplants are of reproductive age and desire successful pregnancies. Successful outcomes of pregnancy can be achieved with preconception counseling, education about contraception use, the timing of pregnancy (delaying by first year post-transplant), and the choice of immunosuppression medication. Ensuring stable renal function including optimized creatinine, proteinuria, and blood pressure increases successful outcomes. Pregnancy with kidney transplant has an increased risk of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes militeus, cesarean section, and preterm delivery. Multidisciplinary cooperation with high-risk obstetrics and transplant nephrologists is vital.

Keywords: Contraception; Immunosuppressants; Living donor; Pregnancy; Pregnancy in kidney transplantation; Pregnancy outcomes; Women's health.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Kidney Transplantation* / adverse effects
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications*
  • Pregnancy Outcome
  • Reproductive Health*
  • Transplant Recipients

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents