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Sirolimus-induced intractable chronic diarrhea: a case report.
1Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, Texas 77030, USA. amer.a.alkhatib@uth.tmc.edu
Transplantation Proceedings
|June 27, 2006
Summary
Sirolimus, a macrolide immunosuppressant, can cause severe chronic diarrhea in renal transplant patients, even at increased doses. Clinicians should consider this side effect when managing patients on sirolimus therapy.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Pharmacology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Sirolimus is a widely used macrolide immunosuppressant in organ transplantation.
- Common side effects include hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, and rash.
Observation:
- A case of intractable, disabling, chronic diarrhea in a renal transplant recipient is presented.
- The diarrhea began after a dose increase of sirolimus from 2 mg to 5 mg.
Findings:
- This case highlights a severe, albeit less common, side effect of sirolimus therapy.
- Literature review and discussion of potential mechanisms for sirolimus-induced diarrhea are included.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider sirolimus as a potential cause of severe chronic diarrhea in transplant patients.
- Awareness of this adverse effect can aid in timely diagnosis and management of sirolimus-treated individuals.