Transplant Proc 1991 Feb;23(1 Pt 2):1444-7

The question of FK 506 nephrotoxicity after liver transplantation

McCauley J, Takaya S, Fung J, Tzakis A, Abu-Elmagd K, Jain A, Todo S, Starzl TE
Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, PA

Abstract
Formal studies have not been published on the nephrotoxicity of FK 506 when the
drug was used from the outset. This kind of information was sought in 101
recipients of primary livers, 24 hearts, and 3 double lungs or heart-lung.
Perioperative renal dysfunction was commonly seen, which appeared to be related
to FK 506 doses and plasma levels, particularly when the drug was given IV. This
was reversible. Late renal function has been generally satisfactory in all three
cohorts of patients, and the incidence of hypertension has been low. The
therapeutic index of FK 506 is a good one, as revealed by these observations in
patients whose most notable achievement was a low mortality