The impact of conversion from mycophenolate mofetil to mycophenolate sodium among renal transplant recipients on a sirolimus-based regimen.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the benefits of conversion from mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) to mycophenolic acid sodium (MPS) among renal transplant patients on sirolimus-based immunosuppression.


METHODS
Alternate renal transplant recipients who were converted from MMF to MPS immediately (group A, n = 21) or 90 days thereafter (group B, n = 19) completed the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale and the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) questionnaires at days 90 and 180. Similarly, at the completion of the study 20 members of groups A plus B (converted to MPS) and 19 patients who initially declined to participate (continuous MMF) completed the questionnaires.


RESULTS
At 90 days after conversion, members of group A showed fewer responses to "feeling unwell" and to flatulence, which regressed in group B at 180 days, although more persons in the latter cohort complained of bloating. The average scores of cohort A on the GIQLI at day 180 were significantly better than those at day 90. Compared with a control cohort of continuous MMF treatment, members of cohorts A plus B showed lower incidences of diarrhea, dysphagia, and eructations but greater incidences of constipation and not feeling fit.


CONCLUSIONS
Conversion from MMF to MPS offers subjective benefits for patients on maintenance therapy with mycophenolic acid in combination with sirolimus.
Kahan
B D
BD
Division of Immunology and Organ Transplantation, The University of Texas Medical School-Houston, Houston, Texas, USA.
Podbielski
J
J
Childs
B
B
D000328:Adult; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005006:Ethnicity; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016030:Kidney Transplantation / Q000276:immunology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009173:Mycophenolic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011788:Quality of Life; D020123:Sirolimus / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013608:Tablets, Enteric-Coated
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D013608:Tablets, Enteric-Coated; D009173:Mycophenolic Acid; D020123:Sirolimus