AIN Transplant Institute

AIN Transplant Institute provides a full-fledged service-line for everything related to kidney transplant, including pre-transplant and post-transplant care. We have locations throughout the Chicagoland area to provide convenient access for kidney transplant candidates and recipients.

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about Associates
In Nephrology

Founded in 1971, AIN has attended to the needs of patients with kidney disease throughout Chicagoland for over 50 years.

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AIN Transplant Institute

The AIN transplant institute is a multidisciplinary team of experienced providers trained and certified in the field of Kidney Transplant. Our team consists of two UNOS Certified Transplant Nephrologists and a Transplant Nurse/Post Transplant Coordinator. We offer Comprehensive post-transplant care including treatment for rejection, infection and any complications that might arise from your transplanted Kidney and/or Pancreas. Our transplant nurse coordinator is available for the patients and families for educational needs, questions, and scheduling for appointments.

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Meet The Ain
Transplant Nephrologists

Chet Desai

Chaitanya
(Chet) Desai, MD

Transplant Nephrology Medical Director chaitanya.desai@ainmd.com

Dr. Desai is our transplant Medical Director at Associates in Nephrology. He has over 10 years of academic, clinical and leadership experience in transplantation.

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Zaid I. Haddad, MD

Transplant Nephrologist
zaid.haddad@ainmd.com

As a physician trained in Nephrology and Transplant, Dr. Haddad strives to employ his expertise in diagnosing and delaying progression of chronic kidney diseases through exciting new advancements in the field.

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Denae Allen-DeCrescenzo

Transplant Nurse Coordinator

Registered Nurse with over 30 years of experience in Nephrology Nursing. Hemodialysis, Peritoneal Dialysis, Education Options Teaching, and Transplantation.

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Our Services

  • Comprehensive Post Transplant Care
    • Monitoring your kidney function, blood work and other parameters to detect signs of rejection or complications.
    • Prescribe and adjust immunosuppressive medications to prevent organ rejection while minimizing side effects.
    • Identify and treat acute and chronic rejection episodes through biopsy interpretation and tailored treatments.
    • Active surveillance for early, subtle rejection through specialized DNA blood tests that traditional creatinine-based kidney tests may miss.
    • Monitor for infections due to immunosuppression and prescribe preventive treatments.
    • Provide ongoing care to maintain kidney health and manage other health conditions that arise after transplantation.
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Become a Patient

  • Phone: (312) 428-4700
  • Email: Kidney.Transplant@ainmd.com
  • Efax: 866-225-0538
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Office Locations

Arlington Heights

121 S WILKE ROAD, SUITE 111
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL 60005-1524

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HIGHLAND PARK

1160 PARK AVE W, SUITE 5N
HIGHLAND PARK, IL 60035-2230

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PORTAGE PARK

3929 N CENTRAL AVE, SUITE 4
CHICAGO, IL 60634-3072

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SOUTH MICHIGAN

2600 S MICHIGAN AVE, SUITE 305
CHICAGO, IL 60616-2857

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SOUTH PULASKI

6959 S PULASKI RD
CHICAGO, IL 60629-4238

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ST BERNARD

6307 S STEWART AVE
SUITE 202
CHICAGO, IL, 60621

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TRINITY

2315 E 93RD ST, SUITE 337
CHICAGO, IL 60617-3984

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Insurance

We accept:

  • Medicare
  • Medicaid
  • Most private insurances.
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Post Transplant Care Q&A

Absolutely. Prior to your visit, you will have bloodwork done including your kidney function panel and drug levels. Based on your drug levels, we might adjust or continue your current dose of rejection pills.

Your concern is legitimate, but rest assured, you can call or email us any time of the day to review the new medication and we will provide you with our expert opinion

That depends on several factors, but generally at least every 3-6 months. However, we are also able to see you sooner and more frequently if indicated.

We pride ourselves on our broad reach throughout Chicago via various clinics to minimize your commute. Our locations are listed on the left under “Office Locations”, and we can schedule you at the clinic closest to your residential zip code.

Yes. After your transplant, you will initially have frequent appointments with the transplant team to make sure you are recovering well. These visits will be less frequent over time as you begin your transition back to the referring transplant Institute at AIN. At the transplant Institute, we have partnered up with all the university hospitals in Chicago and are in constant communication with your team to ensure a safe and seamless transition of care.

Anti–rejection (immunosuppressant) medications decrease the body’s natural immune response to anything that is “foreign” (in this case your transplanted kidney). They lower (suppress) your immune system and prevent your body from rejecting your new kidney.

You should never stop taking anti-rejection medications no matter how good you feel and even if you think your transplanted kidney is working well. Stopping or missing medications will cause a rejection to occur. Kidney rejection is hard to diagnose in its early stages. Rejection is often not reversible once it starts and results in the loss of the transplanted kidney.

Memorize the names, doses, and schedule of each medication, and keep this information with you. Make taking your medicine a daily habit, using digital reminders if needed. Only your nephrologist or transplant team should adjust your anti-rejection medications.

Anti-rejection (immunosuppressant) medications have a number of possible side-effects which are usually manageable for most patients. Blood levels of anti-rejection medications will be checked regularly to prevent rejection and lessen side-effects. If side-effects do occur, your doctor may change the dose or type of medications.

Some of the most common side-effects of anti-rejection (immunosuppressant) medications include high blood pressure, an increased chance of having infections, gastrointestinal (belly/digestive) side.

It's Time To Restore Kidney Health

For over 50 years, our Chicagoland area physicians have been recognized for their innovative patient service programs and for actively engaging in local outreach
efforts. Contact us today to experience the AIN difference.

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