Kidney transplant if you have BAV

[Meagain24]

This is probably really specific but just incase anyone has been through this/has any knowledge!

I’m really concerned - my partner needs a kidney transplant, probably in the next year, and as part of tests for this he has been told he has Bicuspid aortic valve. The lady doing the scan said there is mild leakage but the heart is strong and pumping as expected. Will this condition have an impact on him having a transplant? I’m worried it will make him not eligible.

Thanks

Not knowledgeable of BAV but my Dh has had a kidney transplant and all the tests are worrying at the time.

Hope he (and you) can discuss with his nephrology team and his transplant team. They should be happy to discuss this. I think it's possible different hospital trusts have different criteria.

Renal nurse here! The transplant team will probably refer him to cardiology to ensure everything else is OK, then he will be reviewed by an anaesthetist who will make the decision.

Usually a mild leak is considered ok though so try not to worry too much.

I know that's easier said than done but the work up for a renal transplant is a long and extensive process and they have to make sure the heart is healthy enough. They will be straight with you if there is a problem.

@tobee i think this is it, everything is worrying me. Like i’m now worried something else will show up. Did any minor things show for your husband?

@CharlieUniformNovemberTango2023 thanks so much for replying. Your input is so useful. If it was an issue would they look to resolve the issue & review the transplant again after this?
Do you know how long all the testing takes typically? I’m so worried something else will come up now.

On average it takes 12-18 months, but depends on the individual circumstances. If it is an issue that needs fixing they will fix it before the transplant surgery but, try not to if they can as it's more time being off the transplant list.

Does your husband have anyone wishing to be tested to be a living donor or are you looking at going on the list and receiving donation from a deceased donor? Living donor (if someone is a suitable match) is often faster.

@CharlieUniformNovemberTango2023 yes a couple of people are willing to get tested, although I know this doesn’t mean they will be a match.

i think just after hearing he has a heart issue I am now just really worried he won’t be suitable for a transplant. I just hadn’t even thought about this happening as he’s only 35 and seems so well in himself.

renal transplant patients aren't usually in the best general health - they're very likely to have seen much worse! if the rest of the echo was reassuring then it's quite likely that it won't hold things up (it is something that needs an eye keeping on it all the same).