Infection is a common complication that can occur after kidney transplantation.
The immune system is your child's defense against foreign invaders in the body, such as bacteria and viruses. The risk of infection is greater after transplantation because the immune system has been slowed down by the transplant immunosuppressant medications, making it harder for your child's body to fight infection.
This risk is greatest in the first few months after transplant, when the doses of these medications are the highest. As these doses are reduced, your child will be less susceptible to infection since your child's immune system will not be as suppressed.
Below are some things that the Pediatric Kidney Transplant Program team at Cincinnati Children's recommends both you and your doctor do before and after transplant to reduce your child's risk for infection.