Does mycophenolate mofetil increase the incidence of infections in renal transplant recipients?

Drugs Exp Clin Res. 2005;31(5-6):199-205.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate infectious complications in renal transplant recipients (RTRs) receiving mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) for prevention of acute transplant rejection. A group of RTRs (n = 47) receiving 1.0-2.0 g/day of MMF with cyclosporine A (CsA) and prednisolone to maintain immunosuppression was compared with a group (n = 47) taking triple immunosuppressive therapy including azathioprine. In both groups the etiology and incidence of infections were evaluated. During 2 years post-transplant, various infections developed in 72.3% of patients who received MMF and in 93.6% of those who received azathioprine. The incidence of viral infections was 53.2% in the MMF group and 59.6% in the azathioprine group and the incidence of bacterial infection was 55.3% and 70.2%, respectively There were two cases of active tuberculosis in the azathioprine group and one in the MMF group. MMF 1.0-2.0 g/day does not increase infection rates in RTRs compared with azathioprine.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Azathioprine / adverse effects
  • Bacterial Infections / epidemiology*
  • Bacterial Infections / microbiology
  • Cyclosporine / adverse effects
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects*
  • Kidney Transplantation*
  • Male
  • Mycophenolic Acid / adverse effects
  • Mycophenolic Acid / analogs & derivatives*
  • Prednisolone / adverse effects
  • Virus Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Virus Diseases / virology

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Cyclosporine
  • Prednisolone
  • Mycophenolic Acid
  • Azathioprine