- Immunosuppression can be achieved by different drugs.
- Each drug has a different mechanism by which it can depress
leukocytes which are responsible for the immune response.
- Regimens:
- Many regimens are present
- Steroids are the corner stone drug used
- Triple regimen (steroids-azathioprine-cyclosporine) is the
commonest regimen
- Other new drugs: (FK-506, Mycophenolate and Rapamycin).
- Polyclonal antibodies as ATG and ALG
- Monoclonal antibodies as OKT3
- Cymeric and humanized antibodies as simulect (Novartis) and
zenapax (Roche).
Complications after kidney transplantation:
1- Rejections:
- Hyperacute: usually occurs Immediately postoperative.
- Acute: Usually occurs days or weeks to months postoperatively
- Chronic: Usually occurs months to years postoperatively.
2- Complications of immunosuppression therapy:
a. General complications:
- Infection
- Increased incidence of malignancy
