Graft failure due to hemolytic uremic syndrome recurrence.

The hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is a severe disease characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute renal failure. We herein report our experience with a 43-year-old female patient who underwent a second cadaveric kidney transplantation in February 2005, for adult-onset HUS. The first renal transplantation, which was performed in 1996, required removal after 3 weeks for probable recurrence of HUS.

Long-term results of kidney transplantation with cyclosporine- and everolimus-based immunosuppression.

The aim of the study was to evaluate safety and efficacy of everolimus with cyclosporine (CsA) in de novo renal transplant recipients. The immunosuppressive regimen, including basiliximab, everolimus (3 mg), and low-dose CsA, was administered to 17 patients, of whom 15 were part of a multicenter randomized study that stipulated cessation of steroids at 7 days posttransplantation in 5 recipients. Five patients underwent dialysis after transplantation for delayed graft function (DGF; 29%), all of whom showed a good recovery within 3 weeks.

Cyclosporine A versus tacrolimus monotherapy. Comparison on bile lipids in the first 3 months after liver transplant in humans.

Biliary lipids output is reduced after liver transplantation and tends to normalize thereafter. Cyclosporine A (CyA) is reported to interfere with the normal bile-restoring process after liver grafting, but data are inconclusive, in particular regarding the comparison with the other widely used calcineurin inhibitor tacrolimus (TCR). Furthermore, previous researches were conducted in patients taking multiple immunosuppressive therapies and with a short follow up.

Use of mycophenolate mofetil in liver transplantation: a literature review.

Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is an immunosuppressive drug, exhibiting its effect through inhibition of proliferation of T and B lymphocytes. Standard primary immunosuppressive therapy after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is based on a calcineurin-inhibitor (CNI): cyclosporine or tacrolimus. Renal failure with arterial hypertension, due to CNI side-effects, is a major cause of morbidity and mortality after OLT.

Amantadine monotherapy is ineffective in the treatment of hepatitis C virus recurrence in the post-liver transplantation setting.

Background: Recurrent hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is universal after liver transplantation (LT), yet no effective therapy is available. Amantadine (Am) is currently under evaluation. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and the effectiveness of Am monotherapy in LT patients with HCV recurrence.