Kidney Transplant Program

The UMHC kidney transplant program began in November 1962.One of the highlights of our 48-year-old program was in April 2008 when we celebrated the performance of our 1,000th kidney transplant.

In 2007, we had one of the shortest wait lists and shortest wait times in the country. A living donor kidney transplant program was developed last year.

Most of our patients receive kidney transplants because of renal failure caused by diabetes and high blood pressure.

• Adult deceased donor kidney transplant
• Adult living donor kidney transplant

Selection of candidates for kidney transplantation is based on a number of factors. This guide gives basic information on who is eligible and ineligible for a kidney transplant. Referrals to our program can only be made by a nephrologist. Please check with your dialysis center or nephrologist for advice on kidney transplantation.

Absolute Contraindication (absolute disqualification)

• Malignancy within three years of treatment (except non-melanotic skin malignancies)
• AIDS (HIV+)
• Uncorrectable severe coronary or peripheral vascular disease
• Cirrhosis

Relative Contraindications (disqualifying unless special circumstances)

1. Body Mass Index (BMI) > 32 (BMI > 35 absolute)
2. Cocaine or other substance abuse unless completed rehabilitation program and remains drug free as evidenced by random screening for at least 6 months
3. Severe COPD
4. Dilated cardiomyopathy with EF < 30 %
5. Symptomatic peripheral vascular disease (claudication, gangrene, amputation, ischemic ulcers)
6. Age > 70 (depending upon general health)
7. Non-compliance with volume, medicines, dialysis schedule
8. PTH >1000
9. Untreated severe mental illness
10. Osteomyelitis
11. Chronic active Hepatitis B or C infection (positive titer and enzymes unless treated successfully)
12. Sickle cell disease
13. Diabetes Mellitis with active tobacco abuse

Referral Information

Candidates must be referred by a dialysis center or local nephrologist to our kidney transplant program to be evaluated for a possible transplant.

Kidney Transplant Information Sheet 
Refer a Patient Online

The kidney transplant team is made up of highly skilled medical professionals who have dedicated their careers to caring for kidney transplant patients. Surgeons, nephrologists, nurses, social workers, dieticians, financial counselors and pharmacists are all available 24 hours a day to assist our patients.