Mycophenolate mofetil in pediatric renal transplantation

Transplantation. 2005 Oct 15;80(2 Suppl):S201-10. doi: 10.1097/01.tp.0000186957.32801.c0.

Abstract

Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) has become a popular immunosuppressive agent in pediatric renal transplantation and has helped to address the unique challenges of transplantation in this population. This paper reviews the early studies that proved MMF's efficacy in reducing the risk of acute renal rejection, as well as its safety and tolerability in comparison to azathioprine. Key conclusions about the pharmacokinetics of MMF from studies of MMF alone and in combination with other immunosuppressive therapies are outlined. The importance of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) in this population is also explored in this review. Finally, recent studies showing that newer agents used in combination with MMF can further increase efficacy and reduce the risk of adverse events such as posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease are discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Cyclosporine / therapeutic use
  • Drug Monitoring
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Graft Rejection / prevention & control*
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Kidney Transplantation / immunology*
  • Kidney Transplantation / physiology
  • Multicenter Studies as Topic
  • Mycophenolic Acid / analogs & derivatives*
  • Mycophenolic Acid / pharmacokinetics
  • Mycophenolic Acid / therapeutic use
  • Prednisone / therapeutic use
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Cyclosporine
  • Mycophenolic Acid
  • Prednisone