Has anyone accepted a high risk kidney due to herpes?

[okarol]

Jenna got a call for a kidney tonight from the transplant hospital. She is 3rd back-up so if the people ahead of her pass on the kidney or are sick, then she might get an offer. The problem is that its a high risk donor, due to herpes. It can be dangerous for someone on anti-rejection meds, but because she is so hard to match they put her in line for a potential transplant. I doubt anything will come of it but you never know. I am trying to research the risks now. Saying prayers for the donor family who is losing a loved one tonight.

[Charlie B53]

Sad that someone has to die in order tfor a kidney to become available.  Prays for the Deceased and their Family left behind.

The question of whether to accept a possibly 'tainted' organ is tough. 

that's a major decision not to be taken lightly.  I am somewhat surprised that the transplant team would offer such an organ, but then again "beggars can't be choosers."

More seriously, Herpes currently is still one of those afflictions that can be managed well enough that it is but a relatively minor disease, the symptoms manageable and not necessarily debilitating.  Although having Herpes does place responsibilities on the person throughout there life in taking steps to ensure they do not pass it one to anyone else.  FULL Disclosure in developing relationships are a serious responsibility and should never be taken lightly.

Tough decision.  Much easier for a much older person that doesn't have a sex life.

[Simon Dog]

I am somewhat surprised that the transplant team would offer such an organ, but then again "beggars can't be choosers."

Sure they can.    My MD told me he advised one of  his patients to decline a kigh KDPI kidney, and she got a lower scoring one a few months later.

Many "high risk" kidneys come from risk populations, not known infectees.   Nucleic acid testing has reduced the  time from HIV infection to detectability down from weeks or months to days.   A transplant surgeon told me that his center transplants these high risk kidneys (generally street people, drug users, etc.) and has never seen a HIV infection.

Although I do not subscribe to the clinic director's philosopy of "Don't worry, Hep C can be cured now (....if you can pay for the $95K Rx) and HIV can be managed".   My neph's reaction to the later part of that sentence was "No, you really don't want to manage HIV".

[Michelle2016]

Hep B and hep C can be controlled by meds now. The insurance covers the meds.  It's around $30/month with the insurance.

[Simon Dog]

Hep B and hep C can be controlled by meds now. The insurance covers the meds.  It's around $30/month with the insurance.

There is a difference between "control" and "cure".

95+% of Hep C can be cured with Harvoni (by GIlead).  Out of pocket depends on your insurance, but the drug requires about 90 doses at over $1000 per pill.   You can get the entire treatment for $1000 in India, but the company is working to put barriers in place to make that impractical.

But, if you catch Hep C while being treated by Fresenius clinics, their current policy is to pay for the Harvoni.