Anti-inflammatory immunosuppressive drugs
Don Hines is a 46-year-old construction worker who has had type 1 diabetes since the age of 13. Over the past 5 years, his kidney function began to fail despite his best efforts to follow a low-protein diet and control his diabetes. He has been on hemodialysis for 2 years while waiting for a suitable donor for a kidney transplant. On Christmas Day, he received a phone call that a kidney was available and he underwent successful transplant surgery. Don is 5 ft 8 in. tall and weighs 175 lb.
1. Don will require high doses of anti-inflammatory immunosuppressive drugs following his transplant. Based on his history of diabetes, why would these medications be cause for concern? What modifications in diet and diabetes medications may be necessary?
2. How would you explain to Don the changes in his diet prescription following the kidney transplant compared to his previous diet while he was on hemodialysis?
3. Why are transplant patients at higher risk for foodborne infections? How would you educate Don about food safety?