Primary Immunosuppression with Tacrolimus in Renal Transplantation: Single Center Experience / 대한이식학회지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Tacrolimus (FK-506) represents a major advance in the prevention of rejection following solid organ transplantation. Previous clinical trials in Japan, Europe, and the US suggest that tacrolimus is an effective primary immunosuppressive agent in kidney transplantation. This prospective, non-randomized single center study was done to confirmed the efficacy of tacrolimus in kidney transplantation. METHODS: A total of 50 renal transplant recipients who followed-up at least one year after transplantation was included in this study. Thirty six cases (72%) recived triple drug therapy consists of tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), and low dose steroid. RESULTS: The overall incidence of acute rejection was 10%, all episodes of rejection were treated effectively with steroid pulse therapy. The incidence of treatment failure was six percent. One and two year graft survival were 98% and 96%, respectively. Adverse effects of tacrolimus therapy included tremor of the hand (56%), diarrhea (34%), alopecia (26%), hyperkalemia (22%), nephrotoxicity (18%), post transplant diabetes mellitus (14%), hypertension (14%), and hypercholesterolemia (10%). However, the incidence of gum hypertrophy and hirsutism were 6% and 2%, respectively. CONCLUSION: This short-term study indicates that tacrolimus appears to provide safe and effective primary immunosuppression in kidney transplantation.