Liver Transplant Program - Rejection

What is rejection?

Rejection is the immune system's normal and expected reaction to foreign matter in the body, including the transplanted liver. Although your risk for rejection decreases over time, it never goes away. The risk is always there, which is why you must follow your medical treatment plan closely. Approximately 90% of rejection episodes are successfully treated.

What can I do to help prevent rejection?

The following suggestions offer some things you can do to keep your new liver healthy and lessen your chances of rejection. However, remember that your physician and the transplant team are your best sources of information for your particular medical treatment plan.

Take your medications exactly as prescribed. Many medications must be taken at the same time each day. Never discontinue a medication or change the dosage unless instructed to do so by the transplant team or your physician.

Visits to your local lab are important and scheduled at regular intervals. Your transplant team uses the results of these tests to monitor the levels of medications in your blood, as well as to check for infections, signs of rejection and other medical conditions.

Maintain proper nutrition to stay healthy. Regular exercise is important to maintaining good health.

DO NOT SMOKE. Smoking constricts your blood vessels and can have damaging effects on your transplanted liver. Smoking is also associated with cancers.

DO NOT DRINK alcohol, including beer, wine and even some cough suppressants.

Illicit drugs, including marijuana, are never acceptable for transplant recipients.

What can I do to prevent infections?

• Wash you hands, especially before eating anything.
• Keep your hands away from your face and mouth.
• Avoid people who have colds or infections.
• Ask visitors that are ill not to visit.
• Brush your teeth at least twice daily and visit your dentist twice each year.
• Avoid handling animal waste.

What are some of the signs of rejection?

Memorize the signs of rejection and monitor yourself for them every day:

• fever
• prolonged nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea

What should I do if I notice any of the signs of rejection after I return home?

Immediately call your local VA physician or transplant nurse coordinator for instructions. Your local VAMC team may consult with the Portland VA transplant team. Your symptoms will be evaluated and an appropriate treatment plan will be determined.

What happens if my new liver has rejection?

Even if you follow every suggestion listed above, rejection is still a possibility. Most transplant recipients will experience some kind of rejection, but that does not mean that they will lose their new liver. The liver transplant team will treat rejection and is usually able to save the liver.