Transplant rejection

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A transplant rejection is the body's destruction of a newly introduced organ or tissue. A person's immune system does not recognize the cells of the transplanted material, which triggers it into action to kill the transplanted tissues.

The immune system's response eventually makes the organ or tissue unable to function.

Medicines are given to suppress the immune system. But taking them can make it easy for a person to get sick. Having a suppressed immune system makes it hard for a person to fight off all types of infections. But transplants are usually successful.

Current as of: November 16, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: November 16, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.