FB Live – May 21st: DPC Education Center’s Healthcare Consultant, Velma Scantlebury, MD, Live on Facebook to answer your kidney related questions. This month, Dr. Scantlebury answers patient questions about getting pregnant as a kidney patient, why some dialysis patients need additional estrogen, pediatric kidney transplants, and many other kidney-related topics.
Dr. Scantlebury explains the risks and considerations for kidney patients considering parenthood. While pregnancy is possible on dialysis, it is considered high-risk and requires close monitoring by an OB-GYN familiar with kidney disease. The stage of dialysis and how well a patient is dialyzing significantly impact safety. For transplant recipients, pregnancy is safer, but it’s generally recommended to wait at least 6 months—and ideally a full year—after transplant surgery. This allows time for kidney function to stabilize, blood pressure to come under control, and the risk of rejection to decrease. As always, it’s important to consult with your healthcare team before making any decision to ensure optimal health and safety. Dr. Scantlebury also touches on the hormonal challenges faced by individuals on dialysis, especially those who are post-menopausal or have undergone surgical menopause. A lack of estrogen can accelerate bone loss and increase the risk of osteoporosis, adding to the already heightened risk of fractures that many dialysis patients face. Hormone replacement therapy may be considered to help support bone health, depending on a patient's individual health history and risk factors.
Another fascinating topic discussed is the use of pediatric kidneys in adult transplant recipients. Because children’s kidneys are much smaller than adult organs, both kidneys are often transplanted together into one adult recipient. These dual kidneys are connected as one unit, often referred to as "lollipop kidneys." Over time, these kidneys grow and adapt to meet the metabolic needs of the adult body. Although initial kidney function may be slower, within six months the kidneys typically double in size and perform effectively. Pediatric kidneys are often allocated to adult patients rather than children, because adults can better understand and tolerate a brief delay in organ function.
We invite you to join us for our live events and ask your kidney-related questions! Find us on both Instagram and Facebook:
