title: Mycophenolate mofetil (Cellcept) in pediatric renal transplantation.
abstract: Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) was introduced in pediatric renal transplantation almost 10 years ago. In several pediatric studies, MMF has been associated with improved graft survival and improved renal function with standard immunosuppression of steroids and calcineurin inhibitors (CNI). Both drugs are associated with significant negative effects including influence on growth, blood pressure, glucose metabolism, and also cosmetic side effects. Reduction of CNI was possible with MMF without increased rejection, improving blood pressure and renal function. Information is accumulating that steroid-sparing protocols including CNI are also associated with clinical improvement. Recent reports are positive in the pediatric population using the combination of induction with interleukin-2-receptor antagonists and mTOR inhibitors to spare steroids and CNI. Therefore MMF remains a mainstay of immunosuppressive protocols in the pediatric renal transplantation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Medical University Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria. lothar-bernd.zimmerhackl@uklibk.ac.at
authors.forename: L B
authors.initials: LB
authors.lastname: Zimmerhackl
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wiesmayr
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Kirste
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Jungraithmayr
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006085:Graft Survival / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology* / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016030:Kidney Transplantation / Q000276:immunology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009173:Mycophenolic Acid / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D009173:Mycophenolic Acid