Solid Organ Transplantation

Author(s):
Patricia L. Harris, MSN, RN, CIC Nurse Manager

Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System
Pittsburgh, PA

Published:
October 2, 2014

Abstract

Solid organ transplant surgical interventions are accepted therapies for end-stage organ failure. During the past decade, surgical techniques, immunosuppressive therapy, and infection prevention approaches have improved outcomes. However, infectious complications after transplant continue to be significant causes of morbidity and mortality. Infection risks vary with history of the patient, type of organ transplant, level of immunosuppression, immunosuppressive agent type, and amount of time following the transplant surgery. A review of current literature and national guidelines was conducted for this chapter, which identified infection risks to the solid organ transplant recipient as well as infection prevention measures to reduce the risks.