Reversible encephalopathy associated with tacrolimus in pediatric renal transplants

Pediatr Nephrol. 2001 Jul;16(7):537-42. doi: 10.1007/s004670100602.

Abstract

Neurological complications post transplant have been described with the use of calcineurin inhibitors. Although tacrolimus may be a better immunosuppressant than cyclosporine, its neurological side effects may be worse. Two children, living-related kidney transplant recipients, were treated with antibody induction, mycophenolate mofetil, prednisone, and tacrolimus. Soon after transplant, they each developed an encephalopathy, which when visualized by magnetic resonance imaging showed that it affected both white and grey matter of the brain. Although the encephalopathy was associated with the use of tacrolimus, there was a complete neurological recovery without cessation of the drug.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Brain Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Brain Diseases / pathology
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects*
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / surgery
  • Kidney Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Tacrolimus / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Tacrolimus