Solid Organ Transplant Flashcards
(57 cards)
What patients are at the highest risk for organ rejection?
- high panel reactive antibody (PRA levels > 20-80%)
- HLA mismatching
- previous organ transplant
- african american patients
- younger recipient (< 35) & older donor (> 60)
- history of autoimmune disease
- higher risk organs (hep C infected livers)
Define: Panel Reactive Antibody (PRA)
a test that measures the precentage of recipients antibodies react against the doners HLA antigens
higher precentage = increased risk of rejection
Define: Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA)
proteins found on the surface of cells that help cells recognize “self” from “non-self”- matching is crucial to reduce risk of rejection
What are the phases of immunosuppression?
- induction= high intensity immunosuppression
- maintenance= long term immunosuppression to avoid chronic rejection
- rejection
What is the purpose of induction phase of immunosuppression?
prevents early or immediate after transplant
When should induction immunosuppression therapy be given?
before and during transplant
What medications are used for induction immunosuppression therapy?
- antithymocyte globulin (ATG)= T cell depletion
- basiliximab= IL-2 receptor antagonist
- high dose corticosteroids
What drugs are considered non-depleting antibodies?
basiliximab
low risk patients
What drugs are considered depleting antibodies?
- equine ATG
- rabbit ATG
- alemtuzumab
high risk patients
What are the KDIGO recommendations for induction immunosuppressive therapy?
use antithymocyte globulin (ATG) in patients with higher immunologic risk: increased HLA mismatch, younger recipients with older donors, african american patients, blood group incompatibility
What is the mechanism of action of antithymocyte globulins (ATG)?
bind and deplete T-lymphocytes
What is the black box warning of antithymocyte globulins (ATG)?
must be administered under physician supervision due to anaphylaxis risk
What are the adverse effects of antithymocyte globulins (ATG)?
- infusion-related reactions (fever, chills, hypotension)
- cytokine release syndrome
- thrombocytopenia, leukopenia
- hypertension
What is the monitoring required for antithymocyte globulins (ATG)?
- CBC
- renal function
- signs of infection
What are the medications required before administration of antithymocyte globulins (ATG)?
- benadryl
- acetaminophen
- corticosteroids
due to infusion-related reactions
What is the mechanism of action of basliximab?
bind IL-2 receptors (CD25) on T cells
What is the black box warning of basliximab?
must be administered under physician supervision
What are the adverse effects of basliximab?
- hypertension
- fever
- GI upset
- peripheral edema
- tremor
- infection risk
- upper respiratory tract infection
- dysuria
- psypnea
What is the monitoring required for basliximab?
- S/S of infection
- hypersensitivity reactions
- liver function
What medications are used during the maintenance phase of immunosuppression?
- calcineurin inhibitors = tacrolimus, cyclosporine
- antiproliferative agents= mycophenolate, azathioprine
- mTOR inhibitors= sirolimus, everolimus
- low dose corticosteroids
What calcineurin inhibitor is associated with greater hypertension and hyperlipidemia?
cyclosporine
What calcineurin inhibitor is associated with diabetes and neurotoxicity?
tacrolimus
What are the monitoring requirements for calcineurin inhibitors?
cyclosporine & tacrolimus
- trough levels (tacrolimus= 5-15, cyclosporine= 100-400)
- kidney function (very nephrotoxic!)
- BP, glucose, lipids, and electrolytes (K+ in particular due to AE of hyperkalemia)
What are the drug interactions of calcineurin inhibitors?
- CYP3A4 inhibitors can INCREASE levels (grapefruit juice, azoles, macrolides, diltiazem/verapamil, amiodarone)
- CYP3A4 inducers can DECREASE levels (rifampin, phenytoin, carbamazepine, St Johns Wart
narrow therapeutic index, risk of toxicity or rejection