Use of a “CNI holidays” strategy in acute renal dysfunction late after heart transplant. Report of two cases
Abstract:
Overview
Background. Acute renal dysfunction (ARD) may appear in heart transplant (HTx) patients both in the early
postoperative period and during follow-up, even after several years. CD25 is a subunit of the interleukin-2
receptor which is found exclusively on activated CD4 T lymphocytes. CD25 is crucial for clonal expansion of
anti-allograft host lymphocytes that mediate in acute rejection. There are experiences supporting the use of
Anti-CD25 monoclonal antibodies (MAb) immediately after HTx in patients with ARD as a bridge to renal function
recovery, allowing the temporary suspension of treatment with CNI.
Methods. In this study we report two cases of successful use of weekly MAb (basiliximab) in HTx patients who
developed late ARD after HTx.
Conclusions. In coclusion, we think that in cases of ARD where CNI therapy plays a key role, the use of weekly
doses of basiliximab allows CNI discontinuation until the restoration of renal function is achieved.
Keywords
Basiliximab, CNI holiday, Heart transplant
Article:
Article Information:
Disclosure
Financial support: No grants or funding have been received for this
study.
Correspondence
Pau Alonso La Fe University Hospital Bulevar sur s/n 46008 Valencia Valencia, Spain pau.alonso.fernandez@gmail.com
