Improved liver function and decreased hepatitis C viral load after tacrolimus was replaced by cyclosporine

Transplant Proc. 2005 Jul-Aug;37(6):2871-2. doi: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2005.05.019.

Abstract

Potential antiviral properties of cyclosporine against hepatitis C virus have been highlighted in several publications. Therefore, we investigated the effect of a switch from tacrolimus to cyclosporine in a liver transplant recipient with recurrent hepatitis C who did not respond to antiviral therapy. The patient received a liver transplant for hepatitis C cirrhosis. Initial immunosuppressive treatment was based on tacrolimus. Because of viral activity, a combined therapy was initiated 20 months later including interferon and ribavirine. Then, due to a lack of virological and biochemical response, tacrolimus was replaced by cyclosporine (Neoral), while maintaining the same antiviral therapy. Decreases in the viral load and transaminases levels were observed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Cyclosporine / therapeutic use*
  • Hepacivirus / isolation & purification*
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Liver Function Tests
  • Liver Transplantation / immunology
  • Liver Transplantation / physiology*
  • Male
  • RNA, Viral / blood*
  • Tacrolimus / therapeutic use*
  • Viral Load

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • RNA, Viral
  • Cyclosporine
  • Tacrolimus