Patient or KNOW Patient^™ –
Extending Allograft Function and Recipient Survival: Managing Comorbidities While Minimizing Immunosuppression

Immunosuppressive agents for renal transplantation have evolved markedly over the last two decades in efforts to prolong allograft function and maximize recipient survival. While the United States Renal Data System (USRDS) 2009 Annual Data Report documents reduced rates of renal graft failure, it also notes only marginal improvement in the rate of death with a functioning allograft from 1991 to 2007. From 2005 to 2007, approximately 30% of deaths with a functioning allograft were attributable to cardiovascular events and 9.1% were due to malignancies. The need to address graft retention, minimization of chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN), management of recipient comorbidities, and reduction of disease risk has resulted in an expanded array of immunosuppressive agents.

Despite the availability of an increasing number of therapeutic options, the preferred pharmacotherapeutic approach to maximize allograft and recipient survival is still being investigated. The clinician is now faced with the challenge of evaluating a variety of immunosuppressive approaches that utilize drug minimization, drug elimination, drug avoidance, and drug substitution/conversion.

This program will utilize a case-based approach to illustrate various scenarios of how immunosuppression may be used to minimize chronic allograft pathology and optimize recipient survival. Additionally, kidney transplant recipients' responses to survey questions will be highlighted in an effort to heighten clinicians' awareness of patients' concerns and knowledge regarding their care. The ultimate goal of this educational initiative is the clinical application of program content to provide individualized care to kidney transplant recipients.

Available until June 18, 2011.
Physicians: 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits^™
Nurses: 1.0 contact hour
Pharmacists: 1.0 contact hour (0.1 CEUs)

This activity is jointly sponsored by SCEPTER™ and Quintiles Medical Education. This activity is co-provided by Global Education Group and SCEPTER™.