EXCESS RISK OF RENAL ALLOGRAFT LOSS ASSOCIATED WITH CIGARETTE SMOKING

Abstract

Cigarette smoking before kidney transplantation contributes significantly to allograft loss. The effect of smoking on graft outcome is not explained by increases in rejection or patient death. Smoking cessation before renal transplantation has beneficial effects on graft survival. These effects should be emphasized to patients with end-stage renal disease who are considering renal transplantation.