| Theme |
Necessary kidney transplant knowledge for the dialysis staff, 2013 |
| Title |
Immunosuppressant drugs-benefits and risks |
| Author |
Masashi Inui |
Department of Urology, Tokyo Women's Medical University |
| Author |
Kazunari Tanabe |
Department of Urology, Tokyo Women's Medical University |
| [ Summary ] |
The outcome of kidney transplantaion has markedly improved due to the development of immunosuppressive therapy. Calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) have been the primary drugs for modern immunosuppression therapy. They have contributed to improvements in short-term outcomes. On the other hand, this medication has adversely affected long-term results due to adverse effects such as nephrotoxicity, hypertention, glucose intolerance and dyslipidemia. Clinical studies concerning CNI sparing or withdrawal protocols using new immunosuppressants are ongoing. |