The superiority of tacrolimus in renal transplant recipients -- the Pittsburgh experience

Clin Transpl. 1995:199-205.

Abstract

Tacrolimus is a superior immunosuppressive agent in patients undergoing renal transplantation. In adults, the 1- and 3-year actuarial patient survivals were 95% and 92%, and the 1- and 3-year actuarial graft survivals were 89% and 80%. For first cadaver kidneys, the 1- and 3-year actuarial graft survivals were 91% and 82%, with a projected half-life of 11.9 years. Sixty-nine percent of successfully transplanted patients were weaned off steroids. In pediatric patients, the 1- and 4-year actuarial patient survivals were 100% and 96%, and the 1- and 4-year actuarial graft survivals were 99% and 85%. Seventy-three percent of successfully transplanted children were weaned off steroids. Tacrolimus was also useful as a rescue agent, with an initial success rate of 74%. Tacrolimus has been used successfully in kidney/ pancreas transplantation, with 100% patient, 95% kidney, and 79% pancreas graft survival. Tacrolimus should be considered the immunosuppressive agent of choice in renal transplantation.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Bone Marrow Transplantation / immunology
  • Bone Marrow Transplantation / methods
  • Bone Marrow Transplantation / mortality
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Graft Survival / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Infant
  • Kidney Transplantation / immunology
  • Kidney Transplantation / methods*
  • Kidney Transplantation / mortality
  • Male
  • Pancreas Transplantation / immunology
  • Pancreas Transplantation / methods
  • Pancreas Transplantation / mortality
  • Pennsylvania
  • Survival Rate
  • Tacrolimus / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Tacrolimus