[Complications of immunosuppression]

In the near future several new immunosuppressive substances will be available: Cyclosporin G, IMM125 (both are new derivates of Cyclosporin A), FK506, Rapamycin, Leflunomid, Mycophenolic acid (RS-61443), Bredinin (Mizorinin), Brequinar, Deoxyspergualin and several new monoclonal antibodies (anti-CD4, anti-II-2-Receptor, anti-CD8, anti-CD45, anti-ICAM1 and others). Side-effects of immunosuppressants are classified in 1) relative drug-specific or 2) unspecific effects of over-immunosuppression (infections and malignancies). Nephrotoxicity of Cyclosporin A and guidelines for its prevention are covered in more detail. The authors fear, that the proliferation of new immunosuppressive drugs will make it more difficult, to carefully evaluate their side-effects.