Muco-cutaneous manifestations in 178 renal transplant recipients.
BACKGROUND
Mucosal membrane and skin can be affected by immunosuppressive drug(s) and immunosuppression itself. The spectrum of muco-cutaneous lesions can range from malignancy at one end to infection, iatrogenic lesions, and esthetic effects on the other end.


METHODS
In Razi Hospital of Guilan University of Medical Sciences, a cross-sectional study for the detection of muco-cutaneous lesions in 178 renal transplant recipients (RTRs) was conducted from the years 2001 to 2006. Biopsy and skin scraping according to the type of skin lesions were performed.


RESULTS
A total of 31 RTRs (25%) had normal skin. Iatrogenic lesions were the most common (70%) followed by infectious lesions (57%), and miscellaneous skin lesions were exhibited by 26% of the patients. Among the iatrogenic skin lesions, gingival hyperplasia was the most common lesion (48%), followed by hypertrichosis and acne. Malignant lesions (biopsy proven) were recorded in seven patients (5%). Four patients were found to have Kaposi's sarcoma, and three patients were identified with basal cell carcinoma.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results showed that muco-cutaneous lesions are crucial problems with RTRs. Attending physicians must pay close attention to skin care regularly and consider reduction of immunosuppression to a safe level, and patient must have self-checkups.
Khosravi
Masoud
M
Department of Renal Transplantation, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran. masoud@gums.ac.ir
Golchai
Javad
J
Mokhtari
Gholamreza
G
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery*; D016030:Kidney Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology*; D015996:Survival Rate; D055815:Young Adult
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents