Patient nutrition of after kidney transplantation

Introduction Kidney transplantation (KTx) constitutes the ultimate renal replacement therapy, ensuring the longest life expectancy for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its best quality. In addition to pharmacological treatment and immunosuppressive (IS) therapy, diet is an essential component of therapy for kidney transplant recipients. Aim The aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive analysis of nutrition-related issues in patients after KTx. Material and methods A review of the available research papers and monographs on nutrition after KTx published during the last 5 years was carried out. Results and discussion Nutrition of the patient after KTx is influenced by many factors, related to the overall treatment process. These include the recipient’s baseline kidney disease, comorbidities, and nutritional parameters prior to transplant qualification, donor-dependent factors (e.g. infections), adequate preparation for surgery (prehabilitation), the course of surgery and its complications, as well as IS and its side effects. Conclusions (1) Nutrition after KTx constitutes a significant component of therapy and affects early and late treatment outcomes. (2) Nutrition of the patient after KTx should be adjusted to the patient’s clinical status and nutritional parameters prior to and after surgery, as well as comorbidities. (3) When creating a nutrition-based treatment plan for patients after KTx, IS therapy, along with its complications and nutritional interactions, should always be considered.