I got on this forum because of my niece. She is the one that has the kidneys failing. She is in the hospital and just started dialysis. The dialysis is not cleaning her blood. They want to do a blood transfusion. The question is will this change the results of a kidney transplant, will the new kidney and body be rejected because of the transfusion? My niece is just 58.
Thank you
First of all the usual reason for a transfusion when you start dialysis is that kidney failure can make you quite aneamic. So they top you up with some blood while other medications like iron and vitamins and epo can work with your body to make more new red blood cells of your own to improve the anaemia.
Secondly regarding transplant any red blood cells in your body whether they are yours or from a transfusion only last a few weeks before they get old and die and are removed by the liver as bile salts.
I hope this helps
It is common to need a blood transfusion whilst on dialysis in the early days. A filter is connected to reduce antibodies. Back in the 80's when I went on the transplant list, it was common practice to receive 3 blood transfusions as part of transplant work-up! This no longer happens, but shouldn't affect the chances of a successful transplant. Tell your niece to speak to nurses with her worries.
Also she will probably feel better after the transfusion. Her Hb is probably low, making her feel tired and light headed.
Thanks so much. I am new to this and getting info from people that have been through it or know someone who has is very beneficial to us!
Hi there. The dialysis team would not recommend a blood transfusion unless it was clinically essential. Blood transfusion does cause additional antibody creation but 1 or 2 units of blood should not make that much difference to tissue typing for a transplant & it's more important to get hour daughter to a health status where dialysis becomes effective. Good luck & God bless.
😊 thank you! My niece is pretty sick with the dialysis. She can’t keep anything down. She has had about 3 procedures of dialysis so far.
The more info our family has the better equipped we are to help in her heath care. Sometimes nurses and doctors do not tell a person what is going on and why. This forum has help so much already being on it a short time!
I’m sorry. I was on dialysis for nearly 5 years and have since had a successful transplant. I’m afraid I don’t feel qualified to answer you’re question and would suggest you speak to your nieces consultant. I hope all turns out well for her.
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