Clinical and histological comparison of IgA nephritis and renal IgA vasculitis.

Background: Immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephritis (IgAN) and renal IgA vasculitis (IgAV) show renal IgA deposits, but whether these two diseases are distinct entities or a spectrum of the same condition is under debate. In this study, we add perspective by contrasting the clinical course and histological presentation using the Oxford classification and the National Institutes of Health lupus nephritis activity index (LN-AI) and chronicity index (LN-CI) in IgAN and IgAV.

Methods: In this single-centre, retrospective study, kidney biopsies of 163 adult patients with IgAN and 60 adult patients with IgAV were compared according to the Oxford MEST-C score, LN-AI and LN-CI.

Efficacy and safety of a conversion from the original tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil to the generics Tacpan and Mowel after liver transplantation.

Background: Expensive pharmaceuticals are a major reason for cost intensive health care systems. Long-term immunosuppressive therapy plays a relevant role after organ transplantation. Patents of original drugs have expired and cheaper products are available.