The effects of FK 506 on renal function after liver transplantation.

Abstract

FK 506 is a potent immunosuppressant agent which has undergone extensive in vitro and animal studies since its discovery in 1983.1–3 Since the first International Workshop on FK 506 in 1987, growing excitement has surrounded the development of an agent which is 100 times more potent than CyA.1 The major limitation of CyA has been the almost universal development of nephrotoxicity, leading to renal failure and the need for dialysis in some patients.4,5 The development of an agent which is more potent than CyA and which is less nephrotoxic would be a major advance in organ transplantation. We report our preliminary results on renal function and associated factors, using FK 506 as the major immunosuppressant in humans after liver transplantation.