Schedule a Vaccination | What Patients & Families Need to Know
Donated kidneys can come from a living donor or a deceased donor. Learn more.
Yes, a kidney from a living donor often has advantages over a cadaver kidney. First, recipients don’t have to wait until a kidney becomes available. Living donation allows the operation to be scheduled at a convenient time. Kidneys from family members are also more likely to be good matches, although there is no guarantee. And kidneys from living donors don’t need to be transported from one site to another, so the kidney is in better condition when it is transplanted.
Patients are followed on an outpatient basis at least two times a week after they are discharged from the hospital. The time they are required to remain near Cincinnati Children’s will depend on their medical and transplant status, as well as who will be following them once they return home. For out-of-town recipients, post-transplant follow-up details will be coordinated with the family and referring physician before the transplant.
No. Immunosuppressant medications must be taken every day for as long as your child has a working kidney. Taking these medications as directed is the most important step you can take to prevent rejection. Immediately after the transplant, some other medications will be taken for only a few months.
The Division of Nephrology and Hypertension recommends the following related resources:
• National Kidney Foundation Inc. • National Kidney Foundation of Ohio • The Renal Network Inc. • United Network for Organ Sharing • American Association of Kidney Patients • The PKD Foundation • PKD Cincinnati/Dayton Chapter • Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance
Cincinnati Children’s offers a secure online tool to help you manage your child’s health. MyChart gives you access to your child’s medical record, allowing you to view test results, a list of medications, appointments, follow-up instructions and more. You can also send a message to your healthcare team between visits. Learn More.