Chronic Pyelonephritis Can Lead to a Kidney Transplant

Chronic pyelonephritis is a condition in which recurrent bacterial infections lead to severe inflammation and scarring of the kidneys. Pyelonephritis can cause abdominal pain and tenderness, fever, nausea, confusion, fatigue, and an accelerated heart rate, all of which start to develop one to two days after the infection begins. Pyelonephritis can also lead to loss of kidney function and even chronic kidney disease, although these complications take longer to develop. Mild to moderate chronic pyelonephritis can be managed through outpatient care, such as oral antibiotics. However, more severe infections may require a hospital stay, during which time a patient might receive:

• Urine and blood culture monitoring
• IV fluid infusions to maintain hydration
• IV antibiotics
• Other forms of supportive care

Sometimes, surgery is necessary to help address severe complications such as abscesses or renal papillary necrosis. If a patient develops chronic kidney disease and does not respond to more conservative therapies, an organ transplant may eventually be recommended. At Tampa General Hospital, we have extensive experience performing transplants for patients with a wide range of conditions, including acute and chronic pyelonephritis. When a transplant candidate is referred to our kidney transplant program, we will assess a wide range of factors – including the extent of the kidney damage and any other health complications that might be present – to determine if a kidney replacement is the best option for the patient’s specific needs.

To learn more about our transplant selection criteria for patients with chronic pyelonephritis -  call 1-800-505-7769 (press 5 for the kidney transplant program and ask for the referral coordinator), or call the coordinator directly at (813) 844-8686.