Tacrolimus to Belatacept Conversion Following Hand Transplantation: A Case Report.
Published
Journal Article
Vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) has emerged as a viable limb replacement strategy for selected patients with upper limb amputation. However, allograft rejection has been seen in essentially all reported VCA recipients indicating a requirement for substantial immunosuppressive therapy. Calcineurin inhibitors have served as the centerpiece agent in all reported cases, and CNI-associated complications associated with the broad therapeutic effects and side effects of calcineurin inhibitors have been similarly common. Recently, belatacept has been approved as a calcineurin inhibitor replacement in kidney transplantation, but to date, its use in VCA has not been reported. Herein, we report on the case of a hand transplant recipient who developed recurrent acute rejection with alloantibody formation and concomitant calcineurin inhibitor nephrotoxicity, all of which resolved upon conversion from a maintenance regimen of tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil and steroids to belatacept and sirolimus. This case indicates that belatacept may be a reasonable maintenance immunosuppressive alternative for use in VCA, providing sufficient prophylaxis from rejection with a reduced side effect profile, the latter being particularly relevant for nonlife threatening conditions typically treated by VCA.
Full Text
Duke Authors
Cited Authors
- Cendales, L; Bray, R; Gebel, H; Brewster, L; Elbein, R; Farthing, D; Song, M; Parker, D; Stillman, A; Pearson, T; Kirk, AD
Published Date
- August 2015
Published In
Volume / Issue
- 15 / 8
Start / End Page
- 2250 - 2255
PubMed ID
- 25773260
Pubmed Central ID
- 25773260
Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)
- 1600-6143
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
- 10.1111/ajt.13217
Language
- eng
Conference Location
- United States