| [ Summary ] |
Renal transplantation is the only cure for patients with chronic renal failure. The results of such transplantation are improving, with the five-year graft survival rate now approaching 90 %. In addition, renal transplantation with ABO-incompatible blood groups, which in the past was not considered feasible, has now been conducted in over 700 cases nationwide. Results similar to those seen with ABO-compatible blood group patients were achieved. Possible factors contributing to improvements in these results are the advent of new immunosuppressants, as well as preventive measures taken by medical facilities for humoral rejection and infectious disease control. Some issues to consider in the future, to further improve outcomes for those with chronic renal failure, are the following : promotion of renal transplantation from living donors, increasing the number of donations available after cardiac death and providing public education. |