title: Management of Immunosuppression in Liver Transplantation.
abstract: Liver transplantation outcomes have significantly improved over the past few decades owing largely to the introduction of effective immunosuppression medications. Further comprehension of the unique immune microenvironment of the liver has led to the development of newer molecular targeted therapeutics. Understanding the mechanism of action and adverse effect profiles of these medications is crucial for appropriate management of posttransplant patients. In this review, the author describes the immunologic response elicited by liver transplantation, chronicles the various immunosuppressant drug classes, discusses the evidence behind their use, and evaluates the management of special subpopulations of posttransplantation patients.
authors.affiliation: Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University, 750 Welch Road, Suite 210, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA. Electronic address: dhanaser@stanford.edu.
authors.forename: Renumathy
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Dhanasekaran
mesh_terms: D019468:Disease Management; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D006085:Graft Survival; D006801:Humans; D007165:Immunosuppression Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016031:Liver Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents
keywords: Calcineurin; Hepatitis C; Immunosuppression; Rejection; Transplantation