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What Is the Likelihood a Recipient Will Reject a Transplanted Organ or Tissue?
The rejection rate for organs or tissues varies based on several factors, including: Three types of rejection can occur. These include: Hyperacute rejection occurs within minutes of the transplant and […]
The rejection rate for organs or tissues varies based on several factors, including:
- The type of organ or tissue transplant
- The overall effectiveness of post-transplant care
- The response from the recipient’s immune system
Three types of rejection can occur. These include:
- Hyperacute rejection
- Acute rejection
- Chronic rejection
Hyperacute rejection occurs within minutes of the transplant and is the result of a complete mismatch of antigens. If the organ or tissue is not removed immediately, the patient will die. This rejection reaction is extremely rare due to the sophisticated technology available for matching organs today.
Acute rejection occurs within the first week to three months after a transplant. All transplant recipients experience acute rejection to some extent as their body’s immune system recognizes the presence of a foreign organ. This type of acute rejection is managed with a combination of immunosuppressive medicines such as steroids and cyclosporine A. These medicines have reduced rejection rates for organ transplant recipients by 10 to 15%. Rejection of transplanted tissue is very rare.
Chronic rejection occurs over many years due to the recipient’s continued immune response to the transplanted organ or tissue. Over time, this can damage the transplanted organ, leading to decreased organ function or organ failure. There is no way to predict or prevent this type of long-term rejection, although prompt recognition of symptoms is important to maintain organ function as long as possible.
The likelihood of rejection varies based on the organ or tissue transplanted and the degree of tissue match between the donor and recipient. For example, transplants from relatives have a lower risk of rejection, and rejection rarely occurs in transplants between identical twins. Cornea transplants are also seldom rejected since the cornea doesn’t receive any blood supply from the body, so there is a low chance of an immune reaction from the recipient.
Sources
“Transplant Rejection.” MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000815.htm
“Preventing Organ and Tissue Rejection.” Donor Alliance. https://www.donoralliance.org/newsroom/donation-essentials/preventing-organ-and-tissue-rejection/
“Cyclosporine”. StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482450/#:
