Self-reported change in physical symptoms from cyclosporine-based therapy to azathioprine-based therapy in heart transplant recipients.
Since the introduction of cyclosporine, 183 heart transplants have been performed at Stanford University Medical Center. Although cyclosporine has improved survival rates, it is also associated with progressive renal dysfunction. Seventeen of these recipients have been converted from cyclosporine-based therapy to azathioprine-based therapy because of significant nephrotoxicity. Fourteen of these recipients participated in a study to examine change in physical symptoms since immunoconversion. Most reported little change in physical symptoms following conversion, although 79% experienced rejection following the drug change. Overall, the change in immunosuppressive medications had little impact on perceived symptoms.
Lough
M E
ME
Miller
J L
JL
Gamberg
P
P
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001379:Azathioprine / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003524:Cyclosporins / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006084:Graft Rejection; D016027:Heart Transplantation; D006801:Humans; D007165:Immunosuppression Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014184:Transplantation, Homologous / Q000401:mortality
D003524:Cyclosporins; D001379:Azathioprine