Microemulsion formulation of cyclosporine in pediatric liver transplantation

The oral bioavailability of Sandimmun can be impaired by cholestasis, external biliary diversion, and diarrhea. We report two cases of pediatric liver transplant recipients who experienced chronic rejection and diarrhea secondary to proximal bowel resection. These conditions resulted in poor oral absorption of Sandimmun; the children were converted to the new oral microemulsion formulation Neoral, which significantly improved oral absorption, allowing intravenous cyclosporine weaning and patient discharge. Comparative pharmacokinetic studies were performed in both cases, and the relative Neoral/Sandimmun bioavailabilities were 32.9 and 5.4, respectively. Accordingly, Neoral may constitute to good alternative to ensure the effectiveness of oral cyclosporine administration, particularly in liver-transplanted children with severe cholestasis or shortened small bowe

Adult liver transplantation at UCL: update 2002.

The authors present the results of a single centre study of 587 liver transplants performed in 522 adults during the period 1984-2002. Results have improved significantly over time due to better pre-, peri- and post-transplant care. One, five, ten and fifteen year actuarial survivals for the whole patient group are 81.2; 69.8; 58.9 and 51.2%. The high incidence of de novo tumors (12.3%), of cardiovascular diseases (7.5%) and of end-stage renal function (3.6%) should be further incentives to tailor the immunosuppression to the individual patient and to direct the attention of the transplant physician to the long-term quality of life of the liver recipient