Kidney Transplant 1 year after liver transplant

My father in law recieved a liver transplant 1 year ago, in the past month his health has declined and his kidneys are close to failing.  He does have hepatits c which has come back and started to affect his new liver.  Over the last year his normal check ups have shown that the new liver was doing just fine to recently.  Is there a relation with his kidneys that may cause the Hep C to have more of an affect now?  Also after having a liver transplant would he be able to have a kidney transplant? If so would this help the recovery going forward?  If so I am considering to be a live donor for him.  Please any answers you have would most helpful.  I care for my father in law very much and he is the only family my wife has and we are expecting our first baby and want to make sure her father is healty long enough to see the baby.  Thank you!

[Thomas D Schiano, MD]

congratulations on your expecting.

kidney dysfunction is common after liver transplantation.  Most frequently it is due to the rejection medicine but could also be due to HCV.  He should not be taking any meds like motrin, advil, etc as these can cause severe kidney problems in transplant recipients.  if the liver is not failing from the recurrent HCV then renal transplantation is an option but if the liver is sick it will not be because treatment of the HCV could make the kidney reject.