Organ Transplantation at the National Institutes of Health

Kidney transplantation is the treatment of choice for many causes of renal failure. Although transplantation eliminates the need for dialysis, and has been shown to improve the quality and quantity of life of patients with renal failure, it also has several limitations. These include an inadequate supply of donor organs. However, even with a suitable donor, transplant patients are required to take immunosuppressive drugs to prevent rejection of the transplanted kidney. These include drugs like cyclosporine and steroids that inhibit the function of the system that protects people from infections. Since transplant patients must take immunosuppression, they are at increased risk for several problems including infections, diabetes, bone disease, and some types of cancers.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical Organ Transplant Program was established in 1999 specifically to help find solutions for problems in transplantation. The main focus of the program is to develop and test new ways of preventing rejection that do not depend as heavily on immunosuppressive drugs. The program includes laboratory scientists, physicians, surgeons, nurses, pharmacists, dietitians, and many other health care professions dedicated to discovering and testing new therapies, and exploring new strategies to improve the lives of transplant patients. The program is located in Bethesda, Maryland on the campus of the National Institutes of Health, the site of the largest dedicated research hospital in the world.

At the foundation of all health related research is quality health care delivery. Thus, the primary emphasis for all research protocols performed at the NIH is excellent, safe transplant care rendered by experienced and caring transplant professionals. The program makes use of state of the art inpatient and outpatient facilities including the newly opened Mark O. Hatfield Clinical Research Center. Furthermore, patients accepted into transplant treatment trials receive their transplant and associated medical care free of charge for the duration of the study, typically 3-5 years.

Transplantation offers great hope for individuals struggling with diseases like kidney failure. By participating in a trial at the NIH, patients have the chance to combine outstanding care with the added opportunity to contribute to the future of transplantation.

If you are interested in receiving a kidney transplant or donating a kidney at NIH call 1-800-411-1222.