Abstract

Kidney transplantation is the optimal treatment for many patients with end-stage kidney disease. The short-term outcomes of kidney transplantation have improved in the past few decades as a result of development of newer immunosuppressive drugs, more effective anti-microbial prophylaxis, and improved surgical techniques; however, long-term outcomes remain suboptimal. Routine posttransplant monitoring consists of the measurement of serum creatinine (SCr) and immunosuppressive drug levels. However, both are insensitive and non-specific markers of graft damage.