What is the role of acetylsalicylic acid prophylaxis in kidney transplant recipients?
In the general population, daily ASA (aspirin) use decreases cardiovascular events in patients at high risk of CVD. In patients receiving kidney transplant, low-dose aspirin therapy is associated with improved allograft function and prolonged allograft survival.
The current guidelines recommend the use of aspirin dosed from 65 to 325 mg/daily for primary and secondary prevention of CVD in the kidney transplant recipient with CVD, diabetes, or other risk factors. The institution of daily ASA therapy for all patients receiving kidney transplant should be weighed against the higher risk of gastrointestinal bleeding in this population.