Neurological examinations after liver transplantation concerning patients under corticosteroid immunosuppression and either FK 506 or cyclosporin.
To study the neurological sequelae in liver transplanted recipients, 25 patients were followed up between 5 and 30 months after transplantation and another 14 patients were seen before and after transplantation. Physical examination took special note of tremor and polyneuropathy; additionally, patients estimated concentration and memory, tremor, paraesthesias and sleep disturbances on a self-rating scale. Tremor was reported to be preexistent in 50% of the later FK 506 and cyclosporin group and only temporarily rose afterwards. Twenty-eight percent complained of tremor and 20% said that it interfered mildly with daily activity. Only 2 of 39 patients showed new signs of polyneuropathy. Concentration and memory improved significantly after transplantation. In the second group of patients, MRI, EEG, lumbar puncture and neuropsychological tests were done just before and routinely after transplantation, revealing numerous preexisting neurological deficits with only singular changes afterwards.
Neurologische Klinik mit Klinischer Neurophysiologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Germany.
K
K
Trocha
M
M
Winkler
J
J
Haas
B
B
Ringe
U
U
Wurster
C
C
Ehrenheim
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000328:Adult; D016572:Cyclosporine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016031:Liver Transplantation / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D010808:Physical Examination; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D016559:Tacrolimus / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013997:Time Factors
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D016572:Cyclosporine; D016559:Tacrolimus