Occurrence of lymphoproliferative disorder after heart transplantation is related to the total immunosuppressive load.
Heart transplant recipients are at a high risk for the development of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD). We explored the relationship between the incidence of PTLD and the immunosuppressive therapy in 150 consecutive patients who received a cardiac transplant at our centre. None of our patients treated with cyclosporin A and prednisone only (n = 41) developed PTLD. In contrast, 6 of 101 patients who were previously treated with anti-T-cell preparations suffered from PTLD. No relationship was found between the type of anti-T-cell therapy and the incidence of PTLD. We conclude that the high incidence of PTLD in heart transplant recipients is related to the total immunosuppressive load and not related to a single agent like OKT3.
Brouwer
R M
RM
Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Rotterdam Dijkzigt, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Balk
A H
AH
Weimar
W
W
D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D016027:Heart Transplantation / Q000276:immunology* / Q000401:mortality; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008232:Lymphoproliferative Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology*; D012086:Reoperation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016019:Survival Analysis; D013997:Time Factors
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents