The intestinal flora of patients who have undergone a kidney or liver transplant is less diverse after that than in people who did not undergo a transplant. This is apparent from research by the UMCG.
These patients have poorer health and a higher risk of death. The composition of their intestinal flora also differs greatly from that of other people. This is apparent from a large, long-term study in which the UMCG researchers used health data from the TransplantLines and Lifelines biobanks.
Organ transplantation is a life-saving treatment for many patients. Their chances of survival are still increasing. As a result, more attention is now being paid to the quality of life of these patients. It is known that the intestinal flora has an important relationship with the immune system.
Thanks to the research, for the first time it has become clearer about the influence of the gut flora on transplant patients. New types of treatment should lead to a positive change in the composition of the intestinal flora. This is expected to improve the patient’s overall health and potentially improve quality of life.