Immunosuppression affects the rate of recurrent primary biliary cirrhosis after liver transplantation

Liver Transpl. 2004 Apr;10(4):488-91. doi: 10.1002/lt.20123.

Abstract

Identifying the risk factors associated with recurrence of primary biliary cirrhosis after liver transplantation may affect immunosuppression and increase understanding of the pathogenesis. Four hundred eighty-five patients with PBC were followed for a median of 79 months after transplantation; histological evidence of recurrence was found in 23%. On multivariate analysis, the only risk factor identified with recurrence was the type of calcineurin inhibitor used. The odds ratio for recurrence on tacrolimus was 2.73 (95% confidence interval: 1.84-4.10) compared with cyclosporine. For those receiving cyclosporine, the median time to recurrence was 123 months and for those on tacrolimus 62 months (P <.001). Reasons for this difference between the 2 calcineurin inhibitors are not clear.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Calcineurin
  • Cyclosporine / adverse effects*
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects*
  • Liver Cirrhosis, Biliary / etiology*
  • Liver Cirrhosis, Biliary / surgery
  • Liver Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Liver Transplantation / immunology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Recurrence
  • Tacrolimus / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Cyclosporine
  • Calcineurin
  • Tacrolimus