PREGNANCY IN RENAL TRANSPLANT RECIPIENTS

 ABSTRACT Background: Correction of the uremic state by a functioning allograft often restores fertility in women of reproductive age. The rate of fertility significantly differs between industrial countries, developing and middle east countries. On the other hand the results of pregnancy in Kidney Transplantation (KTP) patients are significantly better than hemodialysis patients, and pregnancy most often has no side effects on the function of the transplanted kidney. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to investigate the rate of fertility and results of pregnancy among KTP women, and the assessment of the function of transplanted kidneys during pregnancy among those who have received kidneys in Golestan Hospital from 1996 to 2003. Methods: All the transplanted women in child bearing age who were interested in accepting pregnancy were involved in this study. After pregnancy, all the patients were visited twice a month until the 32nd week of pregnancy and their histories were taken and regular clinical examination and necessary paraclinical assessments were carried out. After the 32nd week, they were visited weekly and other necessary assessments were done in addition to previous measures. Taking immunosuppressive drugs was continued with a minor dose reduction and consumption of harmful drugs like some antihypertensives was prohibited. Results: 16 out of 48 women who were at child bearing age and were interested in pregnancy got pregnant and totally 22 cases of pregnancy occurred. Four cases resulted in spontaneous or therapeutic abortion and 3 out of 18 remaining cases had intrauterine fetal death and the others had successful pregnancy. The most common complication was LBW and following that premature labor. Maternal complications were no more than the general population and the function of the transplanted kidney had no decline in most of the cases. Conclusion: Based on what was mentioned, it is concluded that successful KTP can increase the chance of pregnancy and in order to improve the results of pregnancy, it is necessary to prepare ideal conditions especially for the transplanted kidney before pregnancy, while pregnancy does not produce any decline in the function of the transplanted kidney.