Lancet 1979; 17: 1033

Cyclosporin A initially as the only immunosuppressant in 34 recipients of
cadaveric organs: 32 kidneys, 2 pancreases, and 2 livers

Calne RY, Rolles K, White DJ, et al.

Abstract
34 patients treated with cyclosporin A received 36 cadaveric organ allografts
(32 kidneys, 2 pancreases, and 2 livers), 26 kidneys are still supporting life,
3 after more than a year; the pancreases and livers are also functioning. 20
patients are not receiving steroids, and 15 of these have not had any additional
immunosuppressive agents. In these patients infectious complications have not
been severe, but a gastroduodenal lymphoma has developed in 1 patient. 6
patients were given 'Cytimum' (a cyclophosphamide derivative) and steroids in
addition to cyclosporin A: 5 of these died of infections and 1 also had a
lymphoma. 11 patients received additional steroids: 1 of these died from
septicaemia and lymphoma. Nephrotoxicity can be avoided by perioperative
hydration and forced diuresis. Cyclosporin A is effective on its own and is a
very potent immunosuppressive drug. Additional immunosuppressive agents may lead
to severe complications