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Community acquired infections in children on maintenance cyclosporine therapy
Insights
Cyclosporine, an immunosuppressive drug, showed a lower infection rate in children undergoing renal transplants compared to azathioprine. Further follow-up is needed to confirm the long-term safety of cyclosporine in pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Transplantation Medicine
Background:
- Cyclosporine is a potent immunosuppressant.
- Community-acquired infections are a concern in immunosuppressed pediatric patients.
Observation:
- This study reviewed infections in 62 children treated with cyclosporine (2-36 months).
- 36 children received cyclosporine post-renal transplant (mean 18 months); 26 for nephrotic syndrome (2 months).
Findings:
- Cyclosporine recipients had significantly fewer minor and major infections than azathioprine-treated renal transplant patients.
- Infection episodes were low in both pediatric groups, with 3 minor/1 major post-transplant and 1 minor/1 major in nephrotic syndrome patients.
Implications:
- Cyclosporine appears relatively safe regarding infectious complications in pediatric renal transplant and nephrotic syndrome patients.
- Prolonged follow-up is essential to fully ascertain the long-term safety profile of cyclosporine in these pediatric populations.
Abstract:
Cyclosporine has profound immunosuppressive properties. We reviewed our experience of community acquired infections in 62 children who received the drug from 2 to 36 months. 36 children received the drug for a renal transplant for a mean of 18 months. There were 3 minor and one major episode of infection in this group. The frequency of both minor and major infections in cyclosporine recipients was significantly lower when compared with a group of renal recipients treated with azathioprine. 26 children received cyclosporine for 2 months for resistant nephrotic syndrome. This group had one major and one minor episode of infection. Despite the relative safety of cyclosporine recipients from infectious complications, a more prolonged follow up is necessary.