[Infectious complications in using mofetil micofenolate in patients with renal allotransplant]

To study infectious complications in renal transplant recipients receiving mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) for prevention of acute transplant rejection or treatment of chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN).

A group of renal transplant recipients (n=47) receiving 1.0-2.0 g/day MMF with cyclosporine A (CsA) and steroids as maintaining immunosuppression was compared to a group (n=47) taking triple immunosuppressive therapy which included azathioprine (Aza). Separate group of patients (n=9) received MMF for treatment of CAN. In all groups etiology and incidence of infections were evaluated.

During 2 years various posttransplant infections developed in 72.3% patients on MMF and 93.6% on Aza. The incidence of viral infections was 53.2% in MMF and 59.6% in Aza group, the incidence of bacterial infection--55.3 and 70.2%, respectively. Among 9 recipients with CAN the infections occurred in five. There were two cases of active tuberculosis in Aza group, one--in MMF group and one in patients with CAN.

We suggest that MMF in the dose 1-2 g/day does not increase infection rates in renal transplant recipients comparing Aza.