Review
Copyright ©The Author(s) 2015.
World J Nephrol. May 6, 2015; 4(2): 148-159
Published online May 6, 2015. doi: 10.5527/wjn.v4.i2.148
Table 1 Continuation of immunosuppression after a failed transplant
Potential beneficial effectsPotential adverse effects
Preservation of residual kidney functionMetabolic complications (diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia)
Decreased incidence of graft intolerance syndrome and the need for allograft nephrectomySteroid-associated adverse effects (e.g., diabetes, cataracts, myopathy, and avascular necrosis among others)
Minimization of allosensitizationCardiovascular complications
Avoidance of overt acute rejectionIncreased susceptibility to infection
Prevention of adrenal insufficiency syndromeMalignancy (especially skin cancers, Kaposi’s sarcoma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and lip cancers)
Prevention of reactivation of systemic disease (e.g., systemic lupus erythematosus, vasculitis)Costs (particularly when data supporting continued immunosuppression are lacking)