PRIMARY EXPERIENCE OF THE USE OF FK506 IN RECIPIENTS OF ORTHOTOPIC LIVER TRANSPLANTATION / 解放军医学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To observe the therapeutic effects and side-effects of tacrolimus (FK506) in the recipients who had undergone liver transplantation, and summarize the clinical experience of its use. Method The clinical data of 36 recipients of allogeneic liver transplants followed by tacrolimus-based anticoagulant regimen were retrospectively analyzed. After liver transplantation, all the recipients received the triple-drug immunosuppressive protocol, including tacrolimus as the basic drug, mycophenolat-mofetil (MMF), and prednisone. Twenty-four of 36 cases received Zenapax as an antibody induction therapy. Results Acute rejection occurred in 3 of 36 cases. After the use of methylprednisolone and OKT3, acute rejection was reversed. The main side-effects of tacrolimus were nervous system disturbance(40.0%), hypertension(13.3%), hyperglycemia(26.7%), and liver dysfunction(6.7%). Conclusion Tacrolimus is a safe and potent immunosuppressive agent, which can decrease the incidence of rejection in liver transplant recipients. The dosage of tacrolimus should be adjusted according to trough level with in the therapeutic window. The timely and appropriate adjustment of the immunosuppressive strategy is essential for the recipient and graft survival. Meanwhile, it is emphasized that the regime should be individualized. [HS(1*2/3]