Pediatric renal transplantation with mycophenolate mofetil immunosuppression in a single center from Mexico

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Immunosuppression Therapy
• Pediatric Transplantation

Background:

• Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF)-based immunosuppression has demonstrated success in reducing acute rejection rates in transplant recipients.
• Pediatric renal transplantation requires optimized immunosuppressive strategies to ensure graft survival and patient well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prospectively evaluate the efficacy and safety of a cyclosporine (CyA), MMF, and steroid regimen in pediatric renal transplant patients.
• To assess surgical outcomes, renal function, rejection rates, graft survival, growth, adverse events, and MMF discontinuation.

Main Methods:

• Prospective evaluation of 21 pediatric kidney transplant patients under 18 years old.
• Patients received a regimen of CyA, MMF, and steroids without antibody induction.
• Follow-up duration was at least 12 months post-transplantation.

Main Results:

• A 19% acute rejection rate was observed within one year, with one graft loss due to rejection.
• One-year mean serum creatinine was 1.19 +/- 0.3 mg/dL, and calculated creatinine clearance was 82.3 +/- 19.7 mL/min*1.73 m(2).
• Common adverse events included urinary tract infections, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal symptoms; no patients discontinued MMF.

Conclusions:

• The CyA/MMF/steroid regimen achieves good outcomes in pediatric kidney transplantation.
• MMF is effective and safe for reducing acute rejection incidence in pediatric kidney transplant recipients, even without induction therapy.