Published online Mar 25, 2025. doi: 10.5527/wjn.v14.i1.99555
Revised: December 25, 2024
Accepted: January 2, 2025
Published online: March 25, 2025
Processing time: 179 Days and 10 Hours
Kidney transplantation is the preferred treatment for patients with advanced chronic kidney disease and end-stage kidney disease, offering superior quality of life and survival compared to dialysis. This manuscript provides an updated overview of post-transplant care, highlighting recent advancements and current practices to assist generalists in managing these patients. It covers key areas such as immunosuppression strategies, drug interactions, and the management of transplant-specific acute kidney injury. The focus includes the use of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and cell-free DNA monitoring for evaluating allograft health and immune-mediated injury. The manuscript reviews the fundamentals of immunosuppression, including both induction and maintenance therapies, and underscores the importance of monitoring kidney function, as well as addressing hypertension, diabetes, and infections. It also provides recommen
Core Tip: This updated overview serves as a comprehensive guide for generalists involved in post-kidney transplant care. It covers essential aspects such as the management of immunosuppression, drug interactions, and acute kidney injury, as well as the integration of advanced therapies like sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and cell-free DNA monitoring. In addition to lifestyle management and targeted screening recommendations, we provide guidance on managing pregnancy after a successful kidney transplant. We also highlight when it is appropriate to consult subspecialists for further expertise in managing complex cases or complications, ensuring optimal care for transplant recipients.