Organ Rejection: What It Is and Why It Matters

When you hear Organ Rejection, the immune system’s attack on a transplanted organ that can impair or destroy its function. It’s also called graft rejection. This process is the biggest hurdle after any Transplantation, the surgical transfer of an organ from donor to recipient. To keep the new organ working, doctors rely on Immunosuppressant, medications that dampen the immune response and reduce the chance of rejection. Understanding how these pieces fit together helps patients and caregivers navigate the post‑transplant journey.

Key Factors Behind Acute and Chronic Rejection

Organ rejection isn’t a single event; it spans several patterns. Acute rejection, a rapid immune response that typically occurs weeks to months after surgery, shows up as fever, pain, or organ dysfunction and often responds well to a short‑term boost in immunosuppression. In contrast, Chronic rejection, a slower, progressive loss of organ function over years, is harder to reverse and may require re‑transplantation. Successful outcomes also depend on HLA matching, the genetic compatibility between donor and recipient that influences rejection risk. Regular blood work, biopsies, and imaging let clinicians track immune activity, adjust drug levels, and catch early signs before damage becomes irreversible.

Below you’ll find a curated set of articles that break down the science behind these mechanisms, compare different immunosuppressive regimens, and offer practical tips for monitoring and managing rejection episodes. Whether you’re preparing for a transplant, adjusting medications, or simply want to understand the risks, the guides ahead give clear, evidence‑based information to help you stay ahead of the immune response.