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Mycophenolate mofetil in kidney transplantation
1Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
Current Opinion in Nephrology and Hypertension
|November 1, 1996
Summary
Mycophenolate mofetil effectively prevents kidney transplant rejection by inhibiting lymphocyte division. This new immunosuppressant significantly reduces acute rejection episodes with manageable side effects, offering improved efficacy over azathioprine.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Transplantation Medicine
Background:
- Mycophenolate mofetil is a novel immunosuppressive agent.
- It is used with steroids and cyclosporine for renal transplant recipients.
- It targets the de-novo synthesis of guanine nucleotides.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of mycophenolate mofetil in renal transplantation.
- To compare its effectiveness and toxicity profile against existing immunosuppressants.
Main Methods:
- Clinical trials involving renal transplant patients.
- Assessment of acute rejection episodes and adverse events.
- Pharmacological analysis of its mechanism of action.
Main Results:
- Mycophenolate mofetil reduced acute rejection episodes by approximately 50%.
- Primary toxicity was gastrointestinal; a potential increase in cytomegalovirus infection was noted.
- Efficacy is considerably higher than azathioprine, with a similar toxicity profile.
Conclusions:
- Mycophenolate mofetil is an effective agent for preventing acute rejection in renal transplants.
- Its use is likely to increase despite cost, particularly in the first year post-transplant.
- Further research is needed to determine its long-term role and application in other organ transplants.