Cutaneous Manifestations of Kidney Transplant Recipients / 대한피부과학회지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Kidney transplantation is now an accepted form of treatment for chronic renal failure. However, the necessary and prolonged use of immunosuppressive agents result in various complications. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to see what the mucocutaneous manifestations would be and how they develop in renal transplant recipients treated with immunosuppressants. METHODS: 187 patients who were examined in dermatology among kidney transplant recipients at Asan Medical Center between June 19S9 and August 1998 were included in this study. The clinical records were reviewed, physical examinations were conducted and the cultures or histological examinations were done when indicated. RESULTS: The most common findings in the skin of the renal transplant recipients were hypertrichosis and Cushingoid changes. The incidence of warts was 22%. There were three cases of Kaposis sarcoma, Bowens diseases, and porokeratosis. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of skin cancers and precancerous lesions was lower than other countries, but cosmetic and functional complications of immunosuppression are frequent. Therefore, it is essential that all renal transplant recipients should be provided with initial and continuing periodic examinations by dermatologists.