Kidney transplantation, brief history and Croatian experience

Abstract

Kidney transplantation is the treatment of choice for patients with end-stage renal disease. However, it took years and numerous attempts to achieve success, for the kidney to function well and for the patient to survive after the transplantation. Following this breakthrough made by Murray in 1954, the introduction of immunosuppressive therapy and tissue typing has significantly improved this program. Today we have new challenges in maintaining or improving a kidney transplant program, one of which is COVID-19 infection. This review presents the history and current status of kidney transplantation, emphasizing the Croatian Kidney Transplant Program.