Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 4, 2026

Quantification of the Immunosuppressant Tacrolimus on Dried Blood Spots Using LC-MS/MS
08:38

Quantification of the Immunosuppressant Tacrolimus on Dried Blood Spots Using LC-MS/MS

Published on: November 8, 2015

Effectiveness and safety of mycophenolate mofetil as monotherapy in liver transplantation

J M Moreno1, E Rubio, A Gómez

  • 1Department of Medicine, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro, Universidad Autónoma, Madrid, Spain. josemariamoren@mixmail.com

Transplantation Proceedings
|September 10, 2003
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) effectively treated calcineurin inhibitor (CI)-related side effects in liver transplant patients, improving renal function and hypertension. MMF was generally safe, with mild side effects and a low rejection rate.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Immunology
  • Hepatology

Background:

  • Calcineurin inhibitors (CIs) are associated with significant long-term morbidity and mortality in orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) recipients.
  • Common CI-related adverse effects include renal dysfunction, hypertension, and neurotoxicity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy and safety of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in OLT patients experiencing CI-related side effects.
  • To assess MMF's impact on renal function, blood pressure, and overall patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 33 adult OLT patients (29 male, 4 female, mean age 57) treated with CIs (cyclosporine or tacrolimus) were included.
  • MMF was gradually introduced while reducing CI dosage, with a mean follow-up of 59 months post-OLT and 15 months post-MMF initiation.
  • Adverse events monitored included renal dysfunction, hypertension, neurotoxicity, and MMF-specific side effects.

Main Results:

  • MMF enabled CI withdrawal in 85% of patients within a mean of 5 months.
  • Significant improvements were observed in renal function (61.6% of patients) and hypertension (56.5% of patients) within the first year of MMF treatment.
  • Adverse events with MMF included infections (30%), asthenia (27%), diarrhea (15%), and thrombocytopenia (12%), with dose reduction needed in 19% of patients.

Conclusions:

  • MMF monotherapy demonstrates effectiveness in improving renal function and blood pressure in OLT patients with CI-induced complications.
  • MMF is a safe alternative or adjunct therapy, associated with mild side effects and a low incidence of rejection episodes.
  • Switching to or adding MMF can mitigate the long-term risks associated with calcineurin inhibitors in liver transplant recipients.

More Related Videos

Murine Full-thickness Skin Transplantation07:59

Murine Full-thickness Skin Transplantation

Published on: January 2, 2017

Reduced Complications after Arterial Reconnection in a Rat Model of Orthotopic Liver Transplantation08:39

Reduced Complications after Arterial Reconnection in a Rat Model of Orthotopic Liver Transplantation

Published on: November 7, 2020

Related Concept Videos

Tissue Transplantation01:24

Tissue Transplantation

Tissue transplantation is a significant medical procedure involving the transfer of cells, tissues, or organs from a donor to a recipient, with the primary aim of restoring lost functions. This procedure is crucial in treating a broad spectrum of diseases, including kidney diseases, liver failure, heart disease, and certain types of cancers.
The Biology of Tissue Transplantation
The biology of tissue transplantation hinges on the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules. These molecules...
Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Drug Dosing and Hepatic Blood Flow01:26

Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Drug Dosing and Hepatic Blood Flow

Chronic liver disease significantly impacts drug metabolism due to alterations in hepatic blood flow and enzyme accessibility. This disruption affects the body's pharmacokinetics—the movement and processing of drugs within the system. Key enzymes crucial for metabolizing medications become less accessible, changing how drugs are processed and utilized. Furthermore, liver disease influences the synthesis of plasma proteins, such as albumin and globulins, which play critical roles in drug binding...
Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Pathophysiologic Assessment and Liver Function Test01:22

Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Pathophysiologic Assessment and Liver Function Test

In clinical practice, the direct measurement of hepatic blood flow to evaluate liver function presents significant challenges due to the intricate and specialized nature of the necessary techniques. Consequently, healthcare professionals often rely on empirical estimates derived from thorough patient examinations and liver function tests to gauge liver health. Among the tools at their disposal, the Child–Pugh and MELD scoring systems stand out for their ability to categorize and assess the...
Pharmacogenetics of Phase II Enzymes: N-acetyltransferase, Thiopurine S-methyltransferase, UDP-glucuronosyltransferase01:27

Pharmacogenetics of Phase II Enzymes: N-acetyltransferase, Thiopurine S-methyltransferase, UDP-glucuronosyltransferase

Phase II biotransformation reactions are essential for detoxifying and eliminating xenobiotics, including many pharmaceutical compounds. These reactions typically involve conjugation, the covalent attachment of polar endogenous groups such as glucuronic acid, sulfate, methyl, or acetyl moieties to functional groups introduced during Phase I metabolism. The resulting conjugates are more water-soluble, enabling efficient renal or biliary excretion.The major classes of Phase II enzymes include...
Kidney Transplant I: Introduction01:28

Kidney Transplant I: Introduction

A kidney transplant is a surgical approach that involves replacing a non-functioning kidney with a healthy one from a donor. This procedure is often a treatment option for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. The method requires careful recipient selection, including evaluating various medical and psychosocial factors. These criteria vary between transplant centers but generally include assessments of the patient's overall health, adherence to medical recommendations, and lifestyle...