Ovarian function after renal transplantation: comparison of cyclosporin A with azathioprine and prednisone combination regimens

Br J Obstet Gynaecol. 1984 Aug;91(8):802-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.1984.tb04854.x.

Abstract

Ovarian function was assessed in 24 women after renal transplantation who were treated either with cyclosporin A (10 patients) or with a combination of azathioprine and prednisone (14 patients) as immunosuppressive therapy. The different regimens were not associated with any differences in clinical or endocrine indices of ovarian function (LH, FSH, prolactin, testosterone, oestradiol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate). Excessive hair growth was common in both treatment groups. Levels of testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone were higher in cyclosporin-treated women but this was due to prednisone-induced suppression of adrenal androgen output in the azathioprine- and prednisone-treated women. Excessive hair growth was present in postmenopausal women on both treatments suggesting that hypertrichosis is a consequence of renal transplantation and is not a specific side-effect of cyclosporin A therapy.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Azathioprine / administration & dosage
  • Azathioprine / therapeutic use*
  • Cyclosporins / therapeutic use*
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Kidney Transplantation*
  • Menopause
  • Middle Aged
  • Ovarian Function Tests
  • Ovary / physiology*
  • Postoperative Period
  • Prednisone / administration & dosage
  • Prednisone / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Cyclosporins
  • Azathioprine
  • Prednisone