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Calcineurin inhibitors and nephrotoxicity in children
1Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China.
Insights
Calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) are effective immunosuppressants but can cause kidney damage, particularly in children. Further research is needed to identify early markers and develop safer alternatives for CNI-related nephrotoxicity.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Transplantation Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) are vital immunosuppressants for organ transplant recipients and individuals with immune disorders.
- Long-term nephrotoxicity is a significant clinical concern with CNIs, especially in pediatric patients due to their longer life expectancy.
- Concerns are heightened in children with nephrotic syndromes, including steroid-resistant, steroid-dependent, and frequent relapse types.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and assess the existing evidence on calcineurin inhibitor (CNI)-induced nephrotoxicity in pediatric organ transplant recipients.
- To evaluate the prevalence and severity of chronic CNI nephrotoxicity in children.
- To identify research on early markers and management strategies for CNI nephrotoxicity.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of original articles.
- Searches conducted in PubMed, Elsevier, and Tompson ISI Web of Knowledge databases.
- Focus on studies examining CNI use in pediatric organ transplantation and associated nephropathy.
Main Results:
- Clinical evidence confirms the occurrence of CNI-related nephrotoxicity.
- The prevalence and seriousness of chronic CNI nephrotoxicity are debated due to nonspecific pathological lesions.
- Research efforts are directed towards early detection markers and preventative/management strategies for CNI nephrotoxicity.
Conclusions:
- CNI-mediated nephrotoxicity warrants serious clinical consideration.
- Future research should prioritize early detection markers for CNI nephrotoxicity.
- Developing improved immunosuppressive therapies and alternative treatments is crucial.
Background:
Calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) are commonly given to transplant recipients of kidneys and other solid organs and to patients with immune disorders, such as steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome, steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome, and frequent relapse nephrotic syndrome. Although CNIs remain the most effective available immunosuppressant agent, there is clinical concern regarding possible long-term nephrotoxicity. This concern is especially significant in children who have a longer life expectancy and greater growth rate.
Data Sources:
In this review, we analyzed the literatures to identify original articles that examined use of CNIs in children who received organ transplantation and nephropathy to assess the available evidence of their nephrotoxicity. PubMed, Elsevier, and Tompson ISI Web of Knowledge were searched for identifying relevant papers.
Results:
Clinical research supports the presence of CNI-related nephrotoxicity. However, some researchers have questioned the prevalence and seriousness of chronic CNIs nephrotoxicity, especially because the pathological lesions typically associated with long-term CNI use are nonspecific. Many researchers have focused on early markers of CNI nephrotoxicity, and the methods that may help prevent and manage nephrotoxicity.
Conclusions:
Future research should focus on investigating early markers of CNI nephrotoxicity and strategies for improved immunosuppressant therapy, and developing alternative treatments. CNI-mediated nephrotoxicity should always be taken seriously in clinic.
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