西罗莫司在肝移植术后肾功能异常患者中的应用

目的 探讨西罗莫司替换钙调磷酸酶抑制剂治疗肝移植术后肾功能不全的安全性和有效性.方法 北将肝移植术后发生肾功能不全的62例患者随机分为对照组和转换组.对照组29例,继续采用Tac(或CsA)、MMF及Pred的方案,血Tac(或CsA)浓度调整在治疗窗范围的下限;转换组33例,用SRL替换原方案中的Tac(或CsA),SRL的起始用量为2 mg/d,以后根据血SRL浓度及不良反应作相应调整,Tac(或CsA)减少至原用量的1/3～1/2,3 d后停用,MMF和Pred的用法不变.转换治疗后,对患者的肝肾功能、急性排斥反应及存活率进行随访监测,并观察患者在转换治疗期间发生的不良反应.结果 共有49例患者痊愈或者好转,13例死亡,对照组死亡8例,转换组死亡5例.随访9～51个月,转换组存活患者肝功能稳定,均未发生急性排斥反应.两组存活患者肾功能恢复后均未再出现反复,且转换组患者肾功能恢复时间明显缩短,治疗效果较好.转换组存活患者未发生严重不良反应,与对照组肺部感染发生率的比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).结论 肝移植术后并发肾功能不全时,采用西罗莫司替换原免疫抑制方案中的CNI治疗是安全有效的.     

肝移植后并发他克莫司不良反应者的西罗莫司单药转换治疗14例

目的 总结出现钙调磷酸酶抑制剂(CNI)相关并发症的患者采用西罗莫司(SRL)单药转换治疗的体会.方法 肝移植患者14例,其中因CNI类药物致肾功能受损而行转换治疗者13例,因移植后血糖升高而行转换治疗者1例.转换治疗前,患者采用他克莫司(Tac)和糖皮质激素预防排斥反应,部分患者还加用霉酚酸酯.进行转换治疗后,初次给予SRL 4 mg/d;1周内给予SRL 1～2 mg/d,同时Tac的用量减至原来的一半;治疗1周后,根据血SRL浓度调整其剂量,维持血SRL浓度谷值为5～10μg/L,于转换治疗后1～2周完全撤除Tac.观察患者转换治疗后并发症的改善情况,肾功能、肝功能和急性排斥反应的发生情况及药物不良反应等.结果 转换治疗前,13例肾功能受损者的血肌酐为(158.3±41.6)μmol/L,随访结束时降低到(103.7±21.2)μmol/L;另1例血糖升高者在转换治疗后血糖得到有效控制,胰岛素用量由转换前的80 IU/L减少至24 IU/L.转换治疗后6个月内,14例中有2例(14.3%)发生急性排斥反应,治疗后均逆转.随访过程中,4例出现血脂升高,4例出现贫血或血小板减少,5例出现溃疡型口疮,但无患者因SRL不良反应而终止转换治疗.结论 肝移植术后出现CNI相关并发症的患者可以采用SRL单药转换治疗.     

肾移植受者转换应用西罗莫司的临床疗效

目的：评价肾移植术后西罗莫司（SRL）替换钙调磷酸酶抑制剂（CNI）的疗效和安全性。方法：对43例肾移植术后转换为SRL治疗的患者进行随访观察,其中包括慢性移植物肾病（CAN）39例、有肿瘤病史4例。随访6个月后分析该方案的效果和并发症。结果：随访时间内,人、肾存活率均为100%。转换后肾功能好转44.4%,肾功能稳定30.2%,肾功能继续减退25.4%。转换后主要的副作用是蛋白尿、高脂血症、贫血。结论：肾移植术后转换应用以SRL为主的免疫抑制治疗方案,对部分慢性移植物肾病和合并肿瘤病史患者的治疗是安全有效的。     

西罗莫司替代钙调磷酸酶抑制剂治疗肾移植后慢性移植肾肾病

目的 探讨采用西罗莫司（SRL）替换钙调磷酸酶抑制剂（CNI）治疗肾移植术后慢性移植肾肾病（CAN）的有效性和安全性。方法 在42例肾移植术后发生CAN的患者中，有32例采用以环孢素A（CsA）为主的免疫抑制方案；10例采用以他克莫司（FK506）为主的免疫抑制方案。将患者的CsA或FK506替换为SRL，停用CNI 12h后口服SRL，SRL的初始剂量为4mg，然后改为2mg／d，以后根据SRL的血药谷值浓度调整其使用剂量，使其血药谷值浓度维持在5～8μg／L。药物替换前、后霉酚酸酯和激素的用量不变。所有患者均随访1年，观察血肌酐、肌酐清除率的变化并监测血常规、血糖、血脂、肝功能等指标。结果 SRL替换CNI治疗1年后，25例患者的移植肾功能明显改善，替换治疗3～20周后移植肾功能好转；10例患者的移植肾功能维持稳定；但7例患者的肾功能继续恶化。替换治疗后，患者血肌酐从替换前的（218±14）μmol／L降为（187±11）μmol／L，肌酐清除率从替换前的（0．83±0．03）ml／s升高为（0．90±0．03）ml／s，替换前后比较，差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。所有患者均未发生急性排斥反应和肿瘤等不良反应。结论 SRL替换CNI治疗慢性移植肾肾病是安全有效的，该方案的副作用主要是血脂增高。     

西罗莫司在肾移植术后远期各类并发症患者中的转换应用

目的 探讨以钙调磷酸酶抑制剂(CNI)为主要免疫抑制方案的肾移植受者术后远期发生各类并发症时,应用两罗莫司(SRL)转换治疗方案的有效性及安全性.方法 肾移植术后远期38例采用CNI的患者因发生各类并发症而转换为SRL治疗,其中慢性移植肾肾病(CAN)17例、肿瘤10例、糖尿病3例、移植肾动脉狭窄(TRAS)球囊扩张术后2例、CNI毒性肝损害2例、丙型肝炎病毒(HCV)感染2例、面容改变1例及马兜铃酸肾病1例.SRL首剂负荷剂量为4～6 mg,维持剂量为1～2 mg/d,血SRL浓度维持在4～8 μg/L.使用SRL当天,CNI的用量减少一半,并在达到血SRL目标浓度的2～4周内逐渐撤除.转换后对患者随访了3～46个月,动态观察血常规、血肌酐、血糖、血脂及尿蛋白等指标,观察不良反应及监测急性排斥反应、移植肾功能丧失和肺部感染等并发症的发生.结果 转换治疗后.17例CAN患者中12例肾功能明显好转,血肌酐水平由转换前的(195.8±40.0)μmol/L降至(159.1±37.5)μmol/L(P<0.05);10例肿瘤患者中7例存活良好,2例发生肿瘤远处转移,1例死亡,血肌酐水平由转换前的(102.8±28.0)μmol/L降至转换后3个月的(77.8±25.6)μmol/L(P<0.05);2例TRAS球囊扩张术后患者肾功能恢复正常,TRAS未再发生;3例糖尿病患者血糖水平有所改善;2例CNI肝毒性者转换后肝功能恢复正常;2例HCV感染者肝功能稳定,病毒RNA拷贝水平下降;1例面容改变者症状明显好转;1例马兜铃酸肾病者未发生肿瘤.转换治疗后,所有患者均未发生急性排斥反应,不良反应主要为高脂血症3例、蛋白尿3例及白细胞减少1例.结论 肾移植术后采用CNI者发生CAN等远期并发症时,将CNI转换为西罗莫司治疗是安全,有效的.     

肾移植术后常规免疫抑制方案下发生他克莫司肾毒性的影响因素

目的 探讨在常规免疫抑制方案下和正常血药浓度范围内肾移植受者发生他克莫司(Tac)肾毒性的影响因素及其对个体化治疗的指导意义。方法 回顾分析132例肾移植术后2年内按照Tac常规剂量(0.15～0.3 mg·kg-1·d-1)和血Tac浓度维持在8～11 μg/L,并坚持随访的首次肾移植受者的资料。Tac肾毒性经移植肾活检和临床实验室检测结果诊断。根据是否发生Tac肾毒性,分为肾毒性组和对照组。对可能的影响因素,包括受者的年龄、性别、是否发生过移植肾功能延迟恢复、药物暴露量、用药时间、肝功能异常、血清白蛋白水平、红细胞比容以及多药耐药基因(MDR1)和细胞色素P450酶3A5(CYP3A5)基因等共10项指标进行多因素回归分析。结果 在常规免疫抑制剂方案下和正常血药浓度范围内,Tac肾毒性发生率为18.9％(25/132)。经单因素和多因素分析,肝功能异常(RR=3.05,95％可信区间为0.879～11.533,P=0.024)、血清白蛋白水平(RR=0.966,95％可信区间为0.994～1.006,P=0.018)、红细胞比容(RR=0.999,95％可信区间为0.998～1.000,P= 0.032)、CYP3A5基因多态性（RR= 0.777,95％可信区间为0.023～6.798,P=0.032）及MDR1基因多态性(RR=0.654,95％可信区间为0.053～7.109,P=0.017)是导致Tac肾毒性的独立危险因素。结论 肾移植后在常规免疫抑制方案下及正常血药浓度内,肝功能异常是导致Tac肾毒性最主要的危险因素,白蛋白水平低下、红细胞比容降低也是导致Tac肾毒性的影响因素,此外还应考虑受者CYP3A5及MDR1的基因多态性,以实现个体化免疫抑制治疗。     

肝移植术后他克莫司所致严重胆汁淤积的西罗莫司替换治疗四例报告

肝移植术后多种因素可导致胆汁淤积,由他克莫司(Tac)或环孢素A(CsA)所致的胆汁淤积,可通过二者之间的转换来处理~([1]),但仍有少数患者在进行转换后药物的不良反应仍不能缓解.本中心2006年1月至2009年5月间的225例肝移植受者,术后采用Tac+吗替麦考酚酯(MMF)+甲泼尼龙预防排斥反应,4例发生Tac所致的胆汁淤积,我们将Tac转换为西罗莫司(SRL),3例的严重胆汁淤积得以缓解,报告如下.     

狭窄治疗窗概念和他克莫司缓释剂型血药浓度稳定的获益

他克莫司(Tac,商品名:普乐可复)具有强大的免疫抑制作用,以Tac为基础的免疫抑制方案已经成为移植后一线基础用药方案.据美国国家器官获取和移植网络/移植受者科学登记处(OPTN/SRTR) 2010年的年报显示,肾移植和肝移植受者中采用以Tac为基础的免疫抑制方案者分别占到87.8％和85.8％.然而,Tac属于狭窄治疗指数药物(NTI),如何维持合理稳定的血Tac浓度,使受者治疗的获益/风险比最大化是临床医生关注的问题,本文将结合最新的研究,介绍NTI的概念以及维持平稳血药浓度带来的临床获益.     

肾移植受者将环孢素A转换为他克莫司治疗的三年疗效分析

目的 评价肾移植受者将环孢素A(CsA)转换为他克莫司(Tac)治疗的有效性和安全性。方法 回顾将CsA转换为Tac治疗的97例肾移植受者的资料,转换治疗的原因分别为慢性移植肾肾病62例,难治性排斥反应21例,肝功能异常8例,齿龈增生、多毛6例。观察转换治疗后3年内的肾功能、肝功能、血脂、血压、血糖、急性排斥发生率、人/肾存活率以及药物不良反应等指标。结果 与转换前相比较,慢性移植肾肾病及难治性排斥反应患者转换治疗1年后肾功能明显好转(P＜0.01),患者第2、3年肾功能稳定。转换治疗后,肝功能异常者的肝功能明显改善,齿龈增生和多毛患者的症状也明显改善。97例转换治疗后第1年的人/肾存活率分别为100％和97.9％,第3年为100％和92.8％,患者血浆胆固醇、低密度脂蛋白、甘油三酯和血压均下降(P＜0.05)。转换治疗后,13例需用药物控制血糖(13.4％),另发生腹泻和食欲不振2例(2.1％),震颤5例(5.2％)。观察期内患者均未发生严重肺部感染和肿瘤。结论 使用CsA行免疫抑制治疗的肾移植受者发生相关并发症后转换为Tac治疗是安全和有效的。     

儿童活体肝移植42例临床报告

目的 总结成人活体部分供肝儿童肝移植的临床疗效和经验.方法 42例儿童患者,年龄80 d至14岁.小于1岁者28例;体重3.08～45 kg,小于10kg者27例.移植前有不同程度的黄疸、腹水、营养不良和肝功能严重损害.其中父母供肝36例,祖母供肝4例.舅父和表兄供肝各1例.供肝类型包括:左外叶31例.Ⅱ段肝组织1例,左半肝8例.右半肝2例.对供肝的肝静脉、肝动脉和受者的肝动脉、肝静脉、门静脉进行成形.以便吻合;供肝动脉较短者,以供者大隐静脉搭桥.免疫抑制方案:采用环孢素A(CsA)+糖皮质激素21例,CsA+吗替麦考酚酯(MMF)+糖皮质激素8例,他克莫司(Tac)+糖皮质激素7例,Tac+MMF+糖皮质激素6例.术后随访时问2～43个月.结果 移植物与受者质量比为0.91%～5.71%,移植物与受者标准肝体积比为40.7%～137.1%.术后早期32例(76.2%,32/42)出现并发症,死亡5例,其中4例死于血管并发症;随访期9例出现并发症,死亡4例,其中3例死于血管并发症;意外死亡2例.其余31例(73.8%,31/42)健康存活.结论 成人活体部分供肝儿童肝移植是治疗儿童终末期肝病的有效方法,术后血管并发症是主要的死亡原因.预防和治疗血管并发症能明显提高手术成功率.     

Conversion to Sirolimus in Kidney-Pancreas and Pancreas Transplantation

Reports on the use of sirolimus (SRL) in pancreas transplantation are still limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of SRL conversion in pancreas transplant patients. Among 247 patients undergoing simultaneous kidney-pancreas or solitary pancreas transplantation, 33 (13%) were converted to SRL. The reasons for conversion were calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) nephrotoxicity (n = 24; 73%), severe neurotoxicity owing to CNI (n = 1; 3%), severe and/or recurrent acute rejection episodes (n = 7; 21%), gastrointestinal (GI) side effects of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF; n = 5; 15%), and hyperglycemia (n = 4; 12%).Before conversion, all patients were maintained on a CNI, MMF, and low-dose steroids. They were gradually converted to SRL associated with either CNI or MMF withdrawal. Sixty-three percent (n = 15) of patients who were converted owing to CNI nephrotoxicity, showed stable or improved renal function. At 12 months after conversion, serum creatinine levels were significantly decreased in this group (2.2 ± 0.5 vs 1.6 ± 0.3 mg/dL; P = .001) and C-peptide values increased (2.9 ± 1.1.1 vs 3.1 ± 1.3 nmol/L; P = .018). The only patient with leucoencephalopathy showed improved neurologic status after SRL conversion. All patients converted to SRL because of GI side effects of MMF showed improvements, and none of those converted because of hyperglycemia experienced improvement. There were no episodes of acute rejection after conversion.We concluded that conversion to SRL in pancreas transplantation should be considered an important alternative strategy, particularly for CNI nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity, and in cases of severe diarrhea due to MMF.     

Rapamycin in children after liver transplantation

Experience with sirolimus (SRL) in pediatric liver transplantation (LTx) is limited. The aim of the study was to present our experience with SRL in this setting. During the last 2 years we administered SRL to 9 LTx: children in 3 due to chronic rejection and 6 due to impaired renal function. SRL was started at 2 months to 2.5 years after LTx. Target trough levels for tacrolimus for patients with chronic rejection was 8 to 10 ng/mL and SRL 10 to 12 ng/mL; for patients with impaired renal function, 4 to 6 ng/mL and 8 to 10 ng/mL respectively. For patients on only SRL and steroids the target level was 12 to 20 ng/mL. Our observation on SRL varied from 3 to 21 months, including liver function, renal function, and side effects. All patients are alive. In 3 patients with chronic rejection (ChR), follow-up biopsies showed no signs of ChR; they all normalized liver biochemistry. Independent of indication all improved their renal function. Follow-up GFR in 5 patients showed significant improvement in all. All patients showed elevated serum cholesterol values. SRL was discontinued in 3 patients due to elevation of liver enzymes in 1, persistently high serum cholesterol in 1, and repeated bouts of opportunistic infection in 1. Addition of SRL with reduced doses of tacrolimus or switching to SRL alone significantly improves renal function.     

慢性肾功能损伤的肝移植受者转换为西罗莫司治疗的疗效观察

目的 观察慢性肾功能损伤的肝移植受者转换为西罗莫司治疗的疗效.方法 应用钙调磷酸酶抑制剂(CNI)并伴有慢性肾功能损伤的肝移植受者23例(其中19例应用他克莫司,4例应用环孢素A)转换为西罗莫司(SRL)治疗.SRL的起始剂量为4mg/d,次日为2 mg/d,应用高压液相色谱法测定全血SRL浓度,当血SRL浓度达5～8 μg/L后,停用CNI类药物,同时服用吗替麦考酚酯,1 g/d.记录受者入组前的基础血清肌酐(Cr)、肌酐清除率、肾小球滤过率(GFR),并分别于用药后第1、3、6、12和24个月时监测血SRL浓度、Cr、肌酐清除率、GFR,同时监测受者体重、血压、血细胞计数、肝功能和肝脏生化指标、血脂、尿蛋白.于用药后12个月时行肝脏穿刺活检确认有无排斥反应.结果 23例平均随访29.4个月,随访期内死亡2例,另21例于用药后1、3、6、12和24月时的Cr分别为(147.40±23.36)、(152.60±20.08)、(150.20±22.64)、(137.60±18.09)、(138.30±17.04)μmol/L,与Cr的基础值[(158.91±29.13)μmol/L]相比较,1、12、24个月时的差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).用药后1、3、6、12和24月时的肌酐清除率分别为(0.97±0.18)、(0.99±0.14)、(1.00±0.17)、(1.07±0.29)、(1.14±0.12)ml/s,与基础肌酐清除率[(0.91±0.14)ml/s]相比较,1、12、24个月时的差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).用药后1、3、6、12和24月时的GFR分别为(0.80±0.15)、(0.78±0.11)、(0.75±0.12)、(0.84±0.10)、(0.94±0.13),与基础GFR[(0.71±0.11)ml/s]相比较,1、12、24个月时的差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).应用SRL后第1、3、6、12和24个月时,Cr≤123μmol/L者所占的比例分别为38.1％、33.3％、28.6％、47.6％和52.4％.随访期内无受者发生排斥反应.结论 慢性肾功能损伤的肝移植受者转换为西罗莫司治疗可改善其肾功能.转换治疗未增加排斥反应的发生率.     

Sirolimus-based immunosuppressive therapy in liver transplant recipient with tacrolimus-related chronic renal insufficiency

BACKGROUND: While providing potent immunosuppression for liver transplant recipients, calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) exhibit nephrotoxicity as a major side effect. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of conversion from CNI to sirolimus (SRL) among liver transplant recipients with CNI-induced chronic nephrotoxicity. METHODS: Between January 2004 and June 2005, we performed conversion in 16 recipients after a median period of 8.5 months after liver transplantation. The indication for conversion was CNI-related nephrotoxicity with a serum creatinine (sCr) value >132.6 umol/L. Renal function was measured before and after conversion to SRL. Clinical and laboratory data related to the clinical course of the patients were recorded to investigate the safety and efficacy of conversion. RESULTS: Sixteen patients were converted to SRL after developing nephrotoxicity. Their renal function improved gradually after conversion. The levels of sCr decreased significantly within the first 30 days (164.1 +/- 12.48 micromol/L to 130.1 +/- 5.573 micromol/L), and over the next 60 days after conversion (97.86 +/- 11.69 micromol/L to 90.7 +/- 8.95 micromol/L) (P < .01). Similarly, the mean glomerular filtration rate (GFR) increased significantly during the same period. Four recipients experienced hypercholesterolemia, 1 with ankle edema, and 1 with acute rejection. The median follow-up was 2.4 years. No patient discontinued SRL due to side effects. No patient needed dialysis or kidney transplantation during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: SRL is a safe, effective replacement agent as primary immunosuppressive therapy following withdrawal of CNIs in liver transplant recipients with CNI-induced chronic nephrotoxicity.     

Sirolimus in Pediatric Liver Transplantation: A Single-Center Experience

Background and Aims

Liver transplantation (OLT) in children has seen significant improvements in recent years. Long-term immunosuppressive strategies have focused on avoiding the risks of long-term immunosuppression, particularly nephrotoxicity, de novo malignancy and late infections. Since its introduction in renal transplantation in 1999, sirolimus (SRL) has been used by an increasing number of liver transplant centers. The aim of this study was to review the experience using SRL in pediatric liver transplant recipients at a single center.

Methods

Between 1989 and 2006, 318 children underwent OLT including 13 who were converted to SRL therapy because of tacrolimus-related side effects. The indications were posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD; n = 11), nephrotoxicity (n = 1), and de novo autoimmune hepatitis (n = 1). One patient with PTLD previously concurrently displayed chronic rejection. SRL dosages ranged between 0.4 and 5 mg/d. The median duration of follow-up was 18 months.

Results

PTLD recurred in 1 patient. There were no episodes of acute rejection. One child developed hyperlipidemia that resolved with diet and medication.

Conclusions

Conversion from tacrolimus to SRL in selected pediatric liver transplant recipients is safe. Children with PTLD may benefit from immunosuppression with SRL after liver transplantation.     

Posttransplantation conversion to sirolimus-based immunosuppression: a single center experience

Sirolimus (SRL) has become an option in kidney transplantation, especially among patients who develop chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN). This study sought to evaluate the safety and efficacy of SRL in 103 kidney recipients of mean age 40 years, including 78 recipients of organs from deceased donors. The major reason for conversion was calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) nephrotoxicity (42.3%) followed by CAN (35.4%). A preconversion kidney biopsy was performed in 89 patients with CAN diagnosed in 51. Mean time to conversion was 40.5 months. The new therapy was: SRL/mycophenolate mofetil (MMF)/prednisone (Pred) in 79 patients; SRL/tacrolimus (TAC)/Pred in 15; and other SRL combinations in 9. The target SRL trough level was 5.0 to 8.0 ng/mL. To evaluate the impact of conversion on renal function, we compared the proteinuria and inverse serum creatinine at 3 months before conversion, at conversion, and at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postconversion. The overall mean follow-up time was 13.2 months. The analysis showed significant improvement in renal function at month 1 postconversion (P<.05) with stabilization thereafter. The SRL/MMF combination frequently induced anemia and/or leukopenia (n=23). Infections included pneumonia (n=10), herpes zoster (n=7), herpes simplex (n=3), cytomegalovirus (n=2), histoplasmosis (n=2), tuberculosis (n=2), and neurocryptococcosis (n=1). Reasons for SRL discontinuation were myelotoxicity (n=4), infection (n=3), nephrotoxicity (n=3), gastrointestinal intolerance (n=3), myopathy (n=1), pneumonitis (n=1), hyperlipidemia (n=1), and other reasons (n=3). Graft loss occurred in 29 patients due to CAN (n=21) followed by death (cardiovascular, n=2; infectious, n=2), acute rejection (n=3), and infection following immunosuppression withdrawal (n=1). We concluded that SRL represented an option but reducing associated immunosuppression should strongly be considered to minimize the frequent side effects, especially infections.     

肝移植术后根据肝活检结果转换西罗莫司治疗:附12例报告

目的 探讨肝移植术后西罗莫司转换治疗后的有效性与安全性.方法 对12例肝移植术后完全停用钙调磷酸酶抑制剂(calcineurin Inhibitor,CNI)改用西罗莫司治疗至少1个月以上的病人进行随访,观察转换治疗后排斥反应的发生及CNI相关肾功能损害和肝功能恢复情况.结果 12例肝移植病人术后平均11个月开始西罗莫司转换治疗,治疗时间平均为14个月,平均随访时间为37个月.采用西罗莫司转换治后,12例中有6例肝穿证实未出现排斥反应.发生CNI相关肾损害的7例中有5例肾功能恢复正常,但有1例反而引起蛋白尿.反复肝功能异常的4例没有改善.结论 我们的小样本临床资料表明,对于某些经过选择的肝移植病人,例如合并CNI相关性肾损害者,可以尝试在肝穿活检指导下进行西罗莫司转换治疗.     

A calcineurin inhibitor-sparing regimen with sirolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and anti-CD25 mAb provides effective immunosuppression in kidney transplant recipients with delayed or impaired graft function

Delayed graft function (DGF) after renal transplantation is a significant risk factor for early acute rejection and graft loss. Sirolimus (SRL) can be administered in the setting of DGF without exacerbating the impaired renal function after transplantation. We examined a calcineurin-sparing regimen using SRL during the early post-operative period in renal transplant patients with delayed or impaired graft function. A retrospective review of 14 consecutive kidney transplant recipients with delayed or impaired graft function who received SRL was performed. The immunosuppressive regimen consisted of daclizumab induction (2 mg/kg), SRL (5-15 mg load followed by 2 5 mg daily maintenance therapy), corticosteroids, and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF, 1.5-3 g/d). Patients were monitored for allograft function, acute rejection, graft survival, thrombocytopenia, and leukopenia. Serum levels of SRL were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography performed at an independent commercial laboratory. Donors were cadaveric in 13 cases and living related in one. The duration of follow-up was 0.5-5.2 months. Nine patients required hemodialysis after transplantation. The mean time to initiation of calcineurin inhibitors was 21 +/- 13 d. Average serum creatinine levels at the initiation of SRL and at 1 month after transplantation were 8.4 +/- 2.7 and 2.1 +/- 1.2 mg/dL, respectively. There were 2 patients (14%) who experienced acute rejection within the first month after transplantation -1 with type I (steroid therapy) and 1 with type II (anti-thymocyte therapy). Serum levels of SRL were initially undetectable in the 2 patients with acute rejection. No grafts were lost during the period of follow-up. Three patients developed thrombocytopenia (platelets < 100 x 10(9)) and no patients developed leukopenia. The combination of SRL with anti-CD25 mAb, MMF, and corticosteroids appears to provide effective non-nephrotoxic immunosuppression for kidney transplantation without the need for a lymphocyte-depleting regimen. However, it is important to monitor serum SRL levels to determine the optimal dosing regimen. Furthermore, long-term follow-up of these patients will be helpful to determine whether improved immunosuppression can be achieved with a fully calcineurin-sparing regimen using SRL.     

Experience With the Use of Sirolimus in Liver Transplantation—Use in Patients for Whom Calcineurin Inhibitors Are Contraindicated

Sirolimus (SRL) provides effective immunosuppression for kidney transplantation and may be useful in patients with delayed allograft function after kidney transplantation. We review our experience with SRL in liver transplant recipients for whom calcineurin inhibitors are undesirable. Fourteen patients with renal insufficiency or acute mental status impairment were administered SRL after liver transplantation (5- to 10-mg load, 1 to 4 mg/d). Immunosuppression also consisted of mycophenolate mofetil and corticosteroids. On resolution of neurological or renal dysfunction (return to baseline mental status or serum creatinine level), tacrolimus (TAC) therapy was initiated. Twelve patients received primary transplants, 1 patient received a combined liver-kidney transplant, and 1 patient received a third transplant. Follow-up was 2 to 7 months. Calcineurin inhibitors were initially withheld in 9 patients, and therapy was aborted because of toxicity in the remaining 5 patients. Mean times to the initiation of SRL and TAC therapy were 5.4 ± 4.6 and 26.8 ± 24.4 days, respectively. Serum trough levels of SRL did not correlate with dose or other patient variables. Two patients died after prolonged pretransplantation hospital courses in the intensive care unit. Six patients experienced acute rejection, but only 1 patient required antilymphocyte therapy. Serum creatinine levels at the start of SRL therapy were 2.2 ± 1.1 and 1.2 ± 0.6 mg/dL at 3 months. All 3 patients with neurological indications for SRL had a return to their baseline mental status. All patients had improved liver function chemistry test results and prothrombin times. No patients developed leukopenia or thrombocytopenia. SRL is safe after liver transplantation in patients with acute neurological or renal impairment. SRL is an attractive alternative when calcineurin inhibitors are undesirable, but serum trough levels of SRL should be monitored. A prospective randomized study of an SRL-based calcineurin inhibitor–avoiding regimen compared with standard therapy in patients with renal insufficiency will further evaluate the role for SRL in liver transplantation. (Liver Transpl 2000;6:734-740.)     

Risk factors for wound healing complications in sirolimus-treated renal transplant recipients

Impaired surgical site healing occurs in 20% to 50% of sirolimus (SRL)-treated renal transplant (RT) recipients, with most patients having received concomitant corticosteroids. We determined the incidence of surgical site complications among RT recipients receiving SRL with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), with most patients on a steroid-avoidance protocol. SRL/MMF patients with complications within 3 months of transplantation were compared with 1) SRL/MMF patients without them and 2) matched RT recipients receiving tacrolimus (FK)/MMF. Between January 2002 and March 2005, 44 of 300 (15%) RT recipients received SRL within 6 weeks of transplantation. Fourteen (31.8%) developed lymphocele, bladder leak, wound dehiscence, cellulitis, or an abscess. Obesity (BMI > or =30 kg/m2) was significantly associated with problems: the mean BMI of SRL cases with complications was 29.9 kg/m2 vs 25.4 kg/m2 for SRL patients without them (P = .047). Seventy-one percent of obese SRL patients experienced complications compared with 24.3% (P = .025) of non-obese SRL patients. Surgical treatment was required in 29% of patients. Rates of maintenance steroid use were similar in SRL complicated cases compared with SRL patients without them. The FK control group showed a lower rate of complications (14.3%; P = .163) despite similar BMI, rejection rates, and chronic steroid use as the SRL group. Obesity and graft rejection were independent predictors of complications. Thus, among a group of predominantly steroid-free recipients on SRL, the rates of wound complications were similar to those seen previously, but the highest risk for them was observed in obese recipients and in those with acute rejection episodes. Wound complications were associated with significant morbidity.