伐地那非在肾移植伴勃起功能障碍患者中应用的有效性和安全性研究

目的:评估伐地那非在肾移植后伴阴茎勃起功能障碍(ED)患者中应用的有效性和安全性。方法:选取39例血浆肌酐值<2mg/dl的肾移植伴有ED患者进行为期4周随机、双盲的伐地那非研究,实验组20例,安慰剂组19例。应用勃起功能国际指数(IIEF)进行伐地那非有效性的评估;应用血清肌酐值,肌酐清除率和血液中免疫抑制剂环孢素浓度监测值评估伐地那非的安全性。结果:应用伐地那非治疗的ED患者评分从12.6±3.4改善到26.5±2.8(P<0.01)。肾功能和环孢素浓度在伐地那非治疗前后没有改变。有4例伐地那非组患者观察到不良反应,2例出现头痛,1例出现心悸伴颜面潮红,还有1例出现消化不良。结论:本研究证实伐地那非对肾移植伴ED患者勃起功能改善有效而且安全。     

Renal function in patients with cadaveric kidney transplants treated with tacrolimus or cyclosporine

INTRODUCTION: Renal function predicts graft survival in kidney transplant patients. This study compared the 2-year evolution of renal function in patients treated with cyclosporine or tacrolimus in combination with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and prednisone. METHODS: We studied 1558 cadaveric renal transplant recipients from 14 Spanish hospitals between January 2000 and December 2002. Of these, 1168 were treated with tacrolimus and 390 with cyclosporine. The primary efficacy endpoint was long-term renal function. Renal function was measured by serum creatinine and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) by creatinine clearance calculated from the Cockcroft-Gault formula. This report summarizes the 2-year results. RESULTS: At 24 months the tacrolimus group showed significantly better serum creatinine (1.5 +/- 0.7 vs 1.8 +/- 0.8 mg/dL, P < .001) and GFR (60.5 +/- 20.9 mL/min vs 47.9 +/- 10.0, P < .001) than the cyclosporine group. Additionally, recipients with ideal graft donors (23.5 +/- 2.8 vs 24.0 +/- 2.9 years) had a better serum creatinine at 2 years (1.23 +/- 0.2 vs 1.5 +/- 0.4 mg/dL, P < .05). Multivariate analysis showed that tacrolimus was an independent factor associated with better renal function: odds ratio 1.6, 95% confidence interval (1.2 to 2.2), P < .001. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with a renal transplant treated with tacrolimus in combination with MMF and prednisone displayed better renal function at 2 years than those who received cyclosporine.     

Erectile dysfunction in kidney transplanted patients: efficacy of sildenafil

BACKGROUND: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to achieve and/or maintain an erection for satisfactory sexual performance. The effects of kidney transplantation on pre-existing ED are poorly understood, as well as the onset of new ED cases after kidney transplantation. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of kidney transplantation on pre-existing ED, to assess the onset of new ED cases after renal transplantation and to assess both the efficacy and safety of sildenafil. METHODS: Erectile function was assessed using the self-administered International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) to kidney transplanted patients. A 50 mg dose of sildenafil was prescribed. Sildenafil efficacy was assessed by re-administering the questionnaire after 4 weeks of therapy. Blood chemistry and serum cyclosporine concentration were evaluated at the beginning of the study and, in patients treated with sildenafil, after 4 weeks of treatment. RESULTS: One hundred and thirteen patients (87.5%) completed the questionnaire. Fifty-three patients (47%) did not complain of ED, the remaining 60 patients (53%) reported ED. ED was already present during dialysis in 40 patients; it appeared ex novo in 20 patients after transplantation. Pre-existing ED disappeared in 8 patients (20%), ameliorated in 13 patients (32.5%), worsened in 2 patients (5%), and remained unchanged in 17 patients (42.5%) after transplantation. The IIEF score significantly improved in sildenafil-treated patients (n=20); there were no observed changes in blood chemistry, blood pressure (BP), renal function and cyclosporine concentration. The side-effects were minimal. CONCLUSIONS: ED was still present in a large cohort of kidney transplanted men. Renal transplantation cures few ED cases. ED can appear ex novo after transplantation. Sildenafil is an effective ED treatment in kidney transplanted men.     

Conversion of liver transplant recipients on cyclosporine with renal impairment to mycophenolate mofetil.

The management of liver transplant recipients with renal function impairment remains controversial because cyclosporine withdrawal from triple immunosuppression regimens may be followed by graft rejection. A nonnephrotoxic and powerful immunosuppressant such as mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) could allow a reduction of cyclosporine dosage or its withdrawal and an improvement in renal function in these patients. Eleven patients with serum creatinine levels greater than 1.5 mg/dL, normal graft function, and a rejection-free period of at least 1 year started MMF at a dose of 2000 mg/d (reduced in case of adverse events) while cyclosporine dosage was slowly reduced. At last follow-up (63 +/- 5 weeks), 7 patients remained free of cyclosporine (6 of those patients are also free of steroids), 2 patients reduced their cyclosporine dose, and 2 patients developed mild acute rejection that responded to a switch to tacrolimus therapy. Serum creatinine and urea levels in the 7 patients free of cyclosporine decreased from 2.22 +/- 0.13 to 1.90 +/- 0.19 mg/dL (P =.05) and 0.95 +/- 0.10 to 0.60 +/- 0.10 g/L (P <.001), respectively. Creatinine clearance increased from 38.16 +/- 5.60 to 47.01 +/- 6. 76 mL/min (P =.005). Control of arterial hypertension also improved. Tolerance to MMF was good, but 6 patients required dose reductions, mainly because of asymptomatic anemia. In conclusion, in liver transplant recipients with stable graft function, MMF may allow cyclosporine dose reduction or discontinuation, thus improving renal function and the control of arterial hypertension. This change of treatment must be carefully monitored because of the frequent need for MMF dose reduction and the risk for rejection.     

Cyclosporine versus tacrolimus in kidney transplantation: are there differences in nephrotoxicity?

Cyclosporine and tacrolimus, two calcineurin inhibitors, show different side effects and toxicities. The data concerning their nephrotoxicity are few and conflicting. A retrospective study was performed in 2 groups of renal transplant recipients treated with cyclosporine or tacrolimus to evaluate graft function and side effects. All patients had completed at least 6 months of follow-up before inclusion in the study. Group I included 10 patients who were converted from cyclosporine to tacrolimus, due to cosmetic problems or due to chronic graft dysfunction with creatinine values <3 mg/dL. After conversion, there was a significant reduction in creatinine values (from 2.43 +/- 1.21 to 1.86 +/- 0.72 mg/dL; P =.023) and an improvement in creatinine clearance (from 47.5 +/- 19.2 to 56.1 +/- 18.9 mL/min; P =.047). The lipid profile did not change, but there was a trend to better blood pressure control with less antihypertensive drugs. Group II compared 2 subgroups of patients receiving kidneys from the same donor, one treated with cyclosporine and the other with tacrolimus. Tacrolimus patients showed better renal function; namely, creatinine was 1.15 +/- 0.27 versus 1.44 +/- 0.33 mg/dL (P =.029) and creatinine clearance was 87.7 +/- 27.1 versus 60.3 +/- 25.9 mL/min (P =.043). Lipid and blood pressure values were not different between the 2 subgroups, but tacrolimus patients tended to need a lower number of antihypertensive medications. The incidence of de novo diabetes mellitus was approximately 20% among patients using tacrolimus. We concluded that tacrolimus may be less nephrotoxic than cyclosporine. Tacrolimus patients showed better graft function and easier blood pressure control, but a high incidence of posttransplantation diabetes mellitus.     

Influence of anticalcineurinic therapy in plasma homocysteine levels of renal transplant recipients: a prospective study

Hyperhomocysteinemia is an independent factor for cardiovascular disease. Renal function and folate level are important determinants of total plasma homocysteine levels. The influence of anticalcineurin drugs on homocysteine levels is controversial. The aims of the study were: (1) to analyze changes in homocysteine levels after the first year of 73 renal transplants and (2) to determine the influence of immunosuppressive anticalcineurin drug therapy on fasting homocysteine concentrations. We examined homocysteine, serum creatinine, folate, and vitamin B12 concentrations immediately after transplant, at 6 months, and after 12 months from renal transplant. Also, MTHFRC677T polymorphism was investigated. Tacrolimus was administered in 28 patients and cyclosporine in 45. Homocysteine levels decreased from 28.41+/-13.71 micromol/L to 18.59+/-8.31 micromol/L after 6 months and to 17.13+/-7.06 micromol/L after 1 year. No relationship was found between homocysteine and folate levels. When anticalcineurin drugs were considered, the homocysteine levels in patients treated with tacrolimus was lower than that in patients treated with cyclosporine at month 6 after transplant (16+/-7.4 micromol/L vs 20.1+/-8.5 micromol/L, P=.03) and after 1 year (15+/-7.6 micromol/L vs 18.4+/-6.4 micromol/L, P=.04). Serum creatinine levels followed the same evolution: they were lower in patients treated with tacrolimus at 6 months (1.35+/-0.36 mg/dL vs 1.57+/-0.45 mg/dL, P=.03) and to a lesser extent at 1 year after renal transplant (1.38+/-0.35 mg/dL vs 1.54+/-0.45 mg/dL, P=.09). The homocysteine value closely related with serum creatinine in both groups. In conclusion, 1 year posttransplant, the homocysteine level was lower among patients treated with tacrolimus, the cohort that also showed the lower serum creatinine concentrations.     

Sildenafil citrate treatment for erectile dysfunction after kidney transplantation

OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to analyze the morbidity of organic erectile dysfunction (ED) in kidney-transplant patients and to evaluate the efficacy and reliability of sildenafil citrate treatment. METHOD: Sixty-five ED patients with normal graft function for 3 to 12 months after kidney transplantation were involved in our study. Erectile dysfunction was diagnosed in all the patients by the International Index of Erectile Dysfunction (IIEF). Among them, 10 patients were in light degree; 32 patients in moderate degree, and 23 patients in severe degree according to IIEF score. All of the patients underwent medical history, physical and chemical examinations. In each patient, the IIEF score, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and trough concentrations of cyclosporine were compared before and after taking sildenafil citrate at an initial dose of 50 mg every night. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients without ED before transplantation suffered ED after the operation, and 32 patients with ED before transplantation noticed worsening. Taking sildenafil citrate was effective in 53 patients (81.54%). There were no statistical differences in blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, or trough concentrations of cyclosporine in patients before and after sildenafil treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The morbidity of organic erectile dysfunction increased after transplantation. Sildenafil citrate treatment for ED in kidney-transplant patients was effective and safe. Graft function and trough concentrations of cyclosporine were not affected by sildenafil citrate.     

Tacrolimus for the treatment of gout in renal transplantation: two case reports and review of the literature.

Episodes of gout are common in the setting of renal transplantation. Hyperuricemia and gout have been associated with the use of the calcineurin inhibitor, cyclosporine. We report two cases of severe polyarticular gout resistant to conventional therapy in renal transplant recipients that resolved after switching from cyclosporine to tacrolimus-based immunosuppression. There was no alteration in renal function, and trough concentrations of both cyclosporine and tacrolimus were within the recommended range. Resolution of gout occurred within a month of discontinuation of cyclosporine and commencement of tacrolimus. Use of tacrolimus may be beneficial in the renal transplant recipient with refractory gout.     

Rescue treatment for cyclosporine-associated hemolytic-uremic syndrome with intravenous immunoglobulin

Hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) is a rare complication occurring in solid-organ and bone marrow transplant recipients treated with calcineurin inhibitors cyclosporine or tacrolimus. We report here about a 30-year-old female cadaveric renal transplant recipient receiving cyclosporine who developed HUS in the early post-transplant period. Renal allograft biopsy specimens showed the characteristic features of thrombotic microangiopathy and acute cyclosporine nephrotoxicity. Cyclosporine was discontinued and the patient was switched to tacrolimus in conjunction with plasma exchange. Unfortunately, plasma exchange was interrupted by bleeding complication resulting from placement of double-lumen catheter. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) was then administrated as an alternative therapy. Hematological resolution occurred promptly and renal function recovered uneventfully. Our presenting case suggests the beneficial effect of IVIG on cyclosporine-associated HUS.     

Conversion from cyclosporine microemulsion to tacrolimus-based immunoprophylaxis improves cholesterol profile in heart transplant recipients with treated but persistent dyslipidemia: the Canadian multicentre randomized trial of tacrolimus vs cyclosporine microemulsion.

BACKGROUND: Tacrolimus improves lipid profile in renal and liver transplant recipients. The impact of conversion from cyclosporine microemulsion (Neoral) to tacrolimus (Prograf) in a large randomized study of stable heart transplant recipients with treated but persistent mild dyslipidemia is reported. METHODS: One hundred twenty-nine long-term (>or=12 months) cyclosporine microemulsion-treated heart transplant recipients with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol >2.5 mmol/liter and/or a total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio >4 were recruited for the study. Complete lipid profile was assessed before (baseline) and after 6 months of treatment with either cyclosporine microemulsion maintenance (n=64) or tacrolimus conversion (n=65). RESULTS: At 6 months, tacrolimus-converted patients exhibited a greater decrease in total cholesterol (from 5.51 +/- 0.16 to 4.88 +/- 1.22 mmol/liter [tacrolimus], vs 5.61 +/- 1.36 to 5.38 +/- 0.87 mmol/liter [cyclosporine]; p = 0.0078). This decrease in cholesterol was caused largely by a decrease in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (-0.41 +/- 0.54 [tacrolimus] vs -0.13 +/- 0.55 [cyclosporine]; p=0.0018). There were no changes in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride levels, but apolipoprotein B therapy was reduced in tacrolimus-converted vs cyclosporine-maintained patients (p=0.0003). By 6 months, 23.7% of tacrolimus- vs 6.7% of cyclosporine-treated patients met the target lipid levels for high-risk patients (p=0.0094). Conversion from cyclosporine to tacrolimus resulted in decreases in blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and uric acid without any changes in glucose, HbA(1C), and insulin levels. CONCLUSIONS: Conversion from cyclosporine microemulsion- to tacrolimus-based immunoprophylaxis resulted in decreased cholesterol, apolipoprotein B, urea, creatinine, and uric acid without any clinically evident perturbation of glucose metabolism in stable heart transplant recipients with treated but persistent mild dyslipidemia.     

Different effects of tacrolimus and cyclosporine on renal hemodynamics and blood pressure in healthy subjects

BACKGROUND: The side effects of cyclosporine, nephrotoxicity and hypertension, contribute to long-term renal graft failure and cardiovascular morbidity in graft recipients. It is not clear whether tacrolimus is as nephrotoxic and hypertensive as cyclosporine. Data on this subject are not consistent because of differences in dosage and duration of treatment and the presence of comorbidity in the studied patients. A comparison of both drugs with respect to renal hemodynamics and blood pressure has not been performed yet in healthy subjects. METHODS: We studied blood pressure, glomerular filtration rate, and effective renal plasma flow in eight healthy subjects at baseline and after 2 weeks administration of cyclosporine and tacrolimus, in randomized order. Trough levels of either drug were within the currently recommended therapeutical range of 100-200 ng/ml for cyclosporine and 5-15 ng/ml for tacrolimus. RESULTS: Tacrolimus did not influence renal hemodynamic parameters, in contrast to cyclosporine. During cyclosporine, glomerular filtration rate decreased from 98+/-9 ml/min/1.732 to 85+/-10 ml/min/1.732 (P<0.05), and ERPF decreased from 597+/-108 ml/min/1.732 to 438+/-84 ml/min/1.732 (P<0.01). Mean arterial blood pressure increased from 93+/-8 mmHg to 108+/-10 mmHg (P<0.05) during cyclosporine and remained unchanged during tacrolimus. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that tacrolimus given during 2 weeks in the currently advised dosage has no unfavorable effects on renal hemodynamics and blood pressure in healthy individuals. The use of tacrolimus in organ transplant recipients may in the long-term lead to better renal function and less cardiovascular morbidity than the use of cyclosporine.     

Do blood pressure and arterial wall properties change after conversion from cyclosporine to tacrolimus?

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in renal transplant recipients. Arterial wall properties are surrogate markers for arteriosclerosis. Previous investigations have shown that the cardiovascular risk profile is better with tacrolimus compared to cyclosporine. Renal function, blood pressure, and lipid levels improve. The hypothesis is that arterial wall properties will improve after conversion from cyclosporine to tacrolimus. Thirty-four stable renal recipients were converted from cyclosporine microemulsion to tacrolimus without changing concomitant medication. Before and after conversion we performed wall track ultrasounds of the carotid and the brachial arteries; pulse wave velocity (PWV); laboratory investigations; 24-hour ABPM; estimates of renal function; and Framingham risk scores. After conversion the 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) did not change. Total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides improved significantly. Renal function (Cockroft) improved. There were no significant changes in arterial wall properties, or in PWV. Framingham comparative risk scores improved only significantly in patients not receiving statins. In conclusion, 3 months after conversion from cyclosporine to tacrolimus total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides were significantly decreased and renal function significantly improved. Contrary to expectation, ABPM did not change, probably due to prolonged use (>10 years) of cyclosporine. There was also no difference in arterial wall properties.     

Conversion from Cyclosporine to Tacrolimus Improves Quality-of-Life Indices, Renal Graft Function and Cardiovascular Risk Profile

Long-term use of cyclosporine after renal transplantation results in nephrotoxicity and an increased cardiovascular risk profile. Tacrolimus may be more favorable in this respect. In this randomized controlled study in 124 renal transplant patients, the effects of conversion from cyclosporine to tacrolimus on renal function, cardiovascular risk factors, and perceived side-effects were investigated after a follow-up of 2 years. After conversion from cyclosporine to tacrolimus renal function remained stable, whereas continuation of cyclosporine was accompanied by a rise in serum creatinine from 142 +/- 48 micromol/L to 157 +/- 62 micromol/L (p < 0.05 comparing both groups). Conversion to tacrolimus resulted in a sustained reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and a sustained improvement in the serum lipid profile, leading to a reduction in the Framingham risk score from 5.7 +/- 4.3 to 4.8 +/- 5.3 (p < 0.05). Finally, conversion to tacrolimus resulted in decreased scores for occurrence of and distress due to side-effects. In conclusion, conversion from cyclosporine to tacrolimus in stable renal transplant patients is beneficial with respect to renal function, cardiovascular risk profile, and side-effects. Therefore, for most renal transplant patients tacrolimus will be the drug of choice when long-term treatment with a calcineurin inhibitor is indicated.     

Electrolyte Free Water Clearance Could Be an Early Sign of Renal Dysfunction in Renal Transplant Patients

Data on free water excretion capacity of renal transplant recipients are scant. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of electrolyte free water clearance (E-CH₂O) by the allograft in renal transplant patients and the effects of various immunosuppressive drugs. Renal transplant recipients with good graft function (creatinine < 1.5 mg/dL) as well as controls were divided into five groups according to their immunosuppressive regimen: group I, azathioprine (n = 15); group II, cyclosporine (n = 28); group III, tacrolimus (n = 28); group IV healthy controls (n = 20); and group V renal transplant donors (n = 16). Following a 12-hour fast, we administered oral water loading (20 mL/kg) with urine collection for 3 hours. We calculated creatinine clearance for 3 hours and E-CH₂O. No matter which immunosuppressive drug, the E-CH₂O of recipients (groups I, II, and III) was lower than that of donors or healthy controls. The creatinine clearance of the cyclosporine arm was significantly lower than all of the other groups. Decreased E-CH₂O in renal transplant patients might be due to diminished water input to the loop of Henle related to subclinical allograft insufficiency as a result of posttransplantation pathology and/or immunosuppressive drug therapy or the transport of water into the extrarenal interstitium as a result of vascular endothelial dysfunction due to the pretransplant uremic milleu.     

男性患者肾移植前后的阴茎勃起功能研究

目的　探讨男性肾功能衰竭患者肾移植前后的阴茎勃起功能,以提高肾移植患者的生存质量。方法　50例男性肾功能衰竭患者在肾移植前后填写国际勃起功能指数(IIEF)调查表,并同时测定性激素水平。结果　肾移植前阴茎勃起功能障碍(ED)发病率为84 %,肾移植后肾功能正常时降至54 %(P<0.05);术前血液透析时间在6个月以内者IIEF评分高于透析时间在6~24个月和超过24个月者;不论患者的年龄大小,肾移植术后IIEF评分均有不同程度的提高(P<0.05);肾移植后血清睾酮水平上升(P<0.05),雌二醇和催乳激素明显下降(P<0.05, P<0.01)。结论　肾移植能有效改善肾功能衰竭患者的阴茎勃起状况,受者术后的心理疏导有助于降低ED发病率。     

Plasma homocysteine levels in renal transplant patients on tacrolimus therapy

Increased plasma total homocysteine levels afford an independent risk factor to assess cardiovascular morbidity in patients with normal and impaired renal function, including stable transplant recipients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate plasma homocysteine levels and factors known to influence homocysteine metabolism (folate and Vitamin B(12)) in renal transplanted patients treated with tacrolimus. Plasma homocysteine, serum folate and serum vitamin B(12) concentrations were measured in 18 cadaveric renal transplant patients with stable function both before and 3 months after the renal transplantation. While the mean plasma homocysteine level in the renal transplant group was significantly higher than in the control group, no significant change was observed following renal transplantation under tacrolimus therapy (16.84 +/- 6.43 micromol/L vs 16.02 +/- 6.54 micromol/L). The levels of folate before and after transplantation were considerably lower than the control group; a significant effect of tacrolimus has not been observed (7.32 +/- 4.68 ng/mL and 7.55 +/- 5.20 ng/mL). Serum vitamin B(12) levels in the transplant group were significantly lower than the control group; a significant decline was seen 3 months after the renal transplantation (448.94 +/- 230.03 pg/mL vs 334.38 +/- 240.61 pg/mL). Consequently, although plasma homocysteine levels of renal transplant recipients are higher, a lowering effect of tacrolimus therapy was not observed on plasma homocysteine levels. The lower levels of folate and Vitamin B(12) in the transplant group compared to a control group supports therapy with folate and Vitamin B(12) to decrease homocysteine concentrations.     

Hemolytic-uremic syndrome in association with both cyclosporine and tacrolimus

Hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) is a well-recognized complication of cyclosporine (CyA) therapy. Transplant recipients with this complication are frequently switched to tacrolimus, although this drug has also been implicated. We report a case of a renal transplant recipient who developed severe graft dysfunction due to biopsy-proven HUS after receiving CyA. Renal function and hemolytic parameters improved with discontinuation of the drug, but they deteriorated again after commencement of tacrolimus 15 days later. A second transplant biopsy demonstrated fresh lesions diagnostic of HUS. Hemolytic parameters resolved with discontinuation of tacrolimus. This is the first report of metachronous HUS being caused in a renal transplant by both CyA and tacrolimus. We therefore believe that caution should be exercised when using tacrolimus as rescue therapy in patients with CyA-induced HUS. Received: 5 November 1999 Revised: 6 June 2000 Accepted: 11 September 2000     

Renal effects of amlodipine in normotensive renal transplant recipients.

Renal effects of amlodipine in normotensive renal transplant recipients. The use of cyclosporin A (CsA) has improved the success of renal transplantation, but is associated with hypertension and significant renal toxicity. Previous reports suggest that calcium channel blockers may be useful in opposing the adverse effects of CsA. We have evaluated the effects of amlodipine (5 mg, once daily for 8 weeks) on renal function in 27 normotensive renal transplant recipients with stable renal function, in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre, cross over study. Amlodipine significantly reduced serum creatinine concentration relative to placebo (mean+/-SD: 168+/-65 vs 177+/-66 micromol/l; P=0.002) and there was a strong trend towards an increase in effective renal plasma flow on amlodipine relative to placebo (238+/-92 vs 217+/-87 ml/min; P=0.055). Glomerular filtration rate and lithium clearance were unaffected. Trough CsA blood concentration was unaffected. Amlodipine was well tolerated, with a low incidence of adverse events, and did not affect blood pressure or heart rate. In conclusion, amlodipine reduced serum creatinine in normotensive renal transplant recipients after only 8 weeks treatment, and was well tolerated in concomitant administration with CsA.     

High prevalence of erectile dysfunction after renal transplantation

BACKGROUND AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study of multifaceted male sexual function in 323 consecutive kidney transplant recipients was conducted by mail by means of the validated International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). All five IIEF domains (IIEF-5), i.e., erectile function, orgasmic function, sexual desire, intercourse satisfaction, and overall satisfaction, were scored for each responder. IIEF-5 scoring that conformed to the National Institutes of Health definition of erectile dysfunction (ED) was computed for all patients sexually active within the past 4 weeks. RESULTS: Two hundred and seventy-one patients replied. Compared to the controls used for IIEF psychometric validation, kidney transplant recipients gave lower erectile function (P<0.01) and intercourse satisfaction (P<0.05) scores, despite their being younger. ED, according to the IIEF-5 method, was demonstrated in 55.7% of the sexually active patients (n=212). Age, time on dialysis, and iterative transplants were significantly and negatively related to erectile dysfunction. CONCLUSION: IIEF proved to be a valuable means of unveiling highly prevalent erectile dysfunction in male kidney transplant recipients. The negative impact of the time on dialysis was emphasized in the results.     

Long‐term graft function with tacrolimus and cyclosporine in renal transplantation: Paired kidney analysis

Aim: The first prospective, randomized trial with paired kidney analysis was conducted to compare the efficacy and safety of tacrolimus with cyclosporine‐based immunosuppressive therapy in renal transplant recipients. This paper reports the long‐term follow‐up results of the authors' previously published study, with the main focus on graft survival and renal function. Methods: Chinese patients transplanted in our centre between June 1998 and June 2005 with their first deceased renal transplant were included. Patients were included if both kidneys were received by the authors' centre, thus allowing a paired analysis. Patients were randomized to receive triple immunosuppressive therapy with either tacrolimus or Neoral cyclosporine, concomitantly with prednisolone and azathioprine therapy. Results: Seventy‐six patients received cadaveric kidneys from 38 donors. Each pair of kidneys was randomly assigned to a separate group (38 subjects/group). The mean follow‐up duration was 6.1 ± 1.8 years. The mean calculated creatinine clearance was significantly higher in patients receiving tacrolimus‐based therapy. The rate of biopsy‐proven acute rejection was lower in the tacrolimus group (18.4% vs 42.1%, P = 0.03). The patient and graft survival were comparable in both treatment arms. Significantly fewer patients on tacrolimus‐based therapy developed hypercholesterolaemia (P = 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the development of post‐transplant diabetes mellitus, hypertension, opportunistic infection and malignancy between both groups. Conclusion: Using the immunosuppressive regimen, tacrolimus‐based therapy provided adequate immunosuppression with better renal function and less acute rejection, as compared with cyclosporine‐based therapy.