Acute rejection

Acute Rejection

Acute rejection is a significant medical condition that often occurs after organ transplantation. It is a form of transplant rejection where the recipient's immune system attacks the transplanted organ or tissue. This can occur within days to weeks following a transplant procedure.

Causes

Acute rejection is primarily caused by the recipient's immune system recognizing the transplanned organ or tissue as foreign. This is due to the presence of antigens on the surface of the donor organ that are different from those in the recipient's body. The immune system responds by producing antibodies and T cells that attack the transplanted organ, leading to inflammation and damage.

Symptoms

The symptoms of acute rejection vary depending on the type of organ transplanted. For example, in kidney transplantation, symptoms may include pain at the site of the transplant, fever, and a decrease in the amount of urine produced. In heart transplantation, symptoms may include shortness of breath, fatigue, and fluid retention.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of acute rejection typically involves a combination of clinical assessment, laboratory tests, and imaging studies. A biopsy of the transplanted organ may also be performed to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment for acute rejection typically involves the use of immunosuppressive therapy to reduce the immune system's response. This may include medications such as corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, and antiproliferative agents. In severe cases, removal of the transplanted organ may be necessary.

Prevention

Prevention of acute rejection involves careful matching of donor and recipient antigens, as well as the use of immunosuppressive medications before and after transplantation.

See also

• Chronic rejection
• Graft-versus-host disease
• Immunosuppression