INNOVATION
INNOVATION
DELAYED GRAFT FUNCTION CLINIC
Delayed graft function ( DGF ) is a common problem for kidney transplant recipients that prevents the “ sleepy ” organ from working as it should initially , so patients may need to continue dialysis temporarily . It is often seen within the first 7-10 days and may last as long as 3-4 weeks .
To prevent patients from having to stay in the hospital while waiting for their transplanted kidney to recover , the UAB Comprehensive Transplant Institute ’ s Kidney / Pancreas Transplant Clinic created the Transplant DGF Clinic . Depending on their needs , patients come to the clinic at least 2-5 times a week for lab tests and follow-up visits to closely monitor renal function .
At each visit , the transplant team decides whether dialysis is needed that day , and if so , the patient is sent to the UAB Hospital Dialysis Unit . This arrangement is convenient for patients , without compromising the close monitoring needed post-transplant .
COLLABORATIONS WITH OTHER DISCIPLINES
The UAB Comprehensive Transplant Institute established several innovative collaborations and relationships to better meet the complex medical needs of our transplant patients .
• In summer 2021 , we launched the Kidney Transplant Diabetes Clinic to address the large number of post-transplant patients dealing with complications from this devastating disease . Endocrinologist Henry Zelada Castro , MD , sees patients in the clinic as part of a unique collaboration that allows quick adjustments to treatment , in an environment familiar to patients .
• Our Transplant Infectious Diseases Clinic provides consultation services to all solid organ recipients and is staffed by clinicians who are experienced in working with transplant patients . Each patient ’ s unique needs are addressed by an attending Infectious Diseases specialist , and the clinic has full access to UAB Medicine ’ s substantial diagnostic and sub-specialty resources .
• UAB ’ s new Transplant Neurology Clinic – led by UAB Department of Neurology Associate Professor Shruti Agnihotri , MD – was created to help support patients who experience unique neurologic complications .
8 UAB CTI Report