Patient Profiles

Elizabeth

Elizabeth was diagnosed with glomerulonephritis during a routine college physical. An undetected streptococcal infection was thought to be the probable cause. Years later a required check-up from her employer revealed progressive kidney failure. As one of 9 children, strep infections were not uncommon in her family, but she was the only one with kidney disease. Shortly after her marriage, Elizabeth received her first kidney transplant in March 1985. Her brother was the donor. Years later, in considering pregnancy, she consulted her nephrologist and conducted her own research. Elizabeth spoke with the NTPR, as well as her sister who worked in the medical field. Elizabeth found that most people were receptive, so she and her husband decided to try.

Although she had some concerns about stress on her kidney, as an active person with good kidney function Elizabeth maintained stable creatinine levels and had no problems through the first 8 months of pregnancy. In the last month of her pregnancy Elizabeth developed complications; her blood pressure was extremely high and she could no longer work. She was hospitalized with HELLP Syndrome (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, Low Platelet counts), which can be associated with preeclampsia. Aileen, a healthy baby girl, slightly small for her gestational age was born 2 days later. Both Elizabeth and Aileen appeared fine, but 5 months later Elizabeth began to show signs of renal damage.

Elizabeth received a second living related kidney transplant in January 1994 from her sister and has done well. Although Elizabeth initially thought about having more children, after losing her first kidney she did not want to take any additional risks. She had to explain this decision to Aileen. Aileen insightfully wondered who could potentially donate a kidney to her if she had no siblings. Aileen now concerns herself with sports and maintaining excellent grades in school. Elizabeth continues to have stable kidney function and has been able to return fully to her active lifestyle.

Reference and Publication Information

The United Network for Organ Sharing is committed to providing accurate and reliable information for transplant patients. To learn more about our content authorship and review process, please read about our Editorial Board.

The content on this page was originally created on August 25, 2005 by the United Network for Organ Sharing and last modified on August 25, 2005. The following sources were used as references:

Armenti, Vincent, et al. "Report from the National Transplantation Pregnancy Registry (NTPR): Outcomes of Pregnancy after Transplantation". 103-113.

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