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Verona P, Edwards J, Hubert K, Avorio F, Re VL, Di Stefano R, Carollo A, Johnson H, Provenzani A. Tacrolimus-Induced Neurotoxicity After Transplant: A Literature Review. Drug Saf 2024; 47:419-438. [PMID: 38353884 DOI: 10.1007/s40264-024-01398-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Tacrolimus, a calcineurin inhibitor, is an immunosuppressant used globally to prevent rejection after organ transplantation. Although it significantly improves outcomes for solid organ transplant patients, it is associated with various side effects such as nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity. Tacrolimus-induced neurotoxicity is frequently encountered in clinical practice and can present with a variety of symptoms that may occur even at therapeutic levels. Although tacrolimus-induced neurotoxicity is well documented, there is limited literature available on pharmacologic management. Twenty-eight case reports of tacrolimus-induced neurotoxicity were identified and analyzed in addition to other literature including reviews, retrospective studies, and animal model studies. The severity of cases of tacrolimus-induced neurotoxicity reported ranged from mild symptoms that could be managed with symptomatic treatment to conditions such as posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy that may require more immediate intervention. This information was utilized in addition to clinical experience to compile potential management options for prevention and treatment of neurotoxic adverse events. This review is limited by the utilization of primarily retrospective studies and case reports. The available literature on the subject is largely narrative and there are no guidelines on treatment of tacrolimus-induced neurotoxicity at the time of this research. This comprehensive review may guide further studies to investigate the pathophysiology of tacrolimus-induced neurotoxicity and to define patient-specific strategies for mitigation or minimization of neurotoxicity. This is especially important given that management of tacrolimus-induced neurotoxicity can include changes to immunosuppression that can result in an increased risk of rejection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paige Verona
- School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jocelyn Edwards
- School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kassidy Hubert
- School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Federica Avorio
- Neurology Unit, Mediterranean Institute for Transplantation and Advanced Specialized Therapies (ISMETT), Palermo, Italy
| | - Vincenzina Lo Re
- Neurology Unit, Mediterranean Institute for Transplantation and Advanced Specialized Therapies (ISMETT), Palermo, Italy
| | - Roberta Di Stefano
- Clinical Pharmacy Service, Mediterranean Institute for Transplantation and Advanced Specialized Therapies (ISMETT), Via E.Tricomi n. 5, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Anna Carollo
- Clinical Pharmacy Service, Mediterranean Institute for Transplantation and Advanced Specialized Therapies (ISMETT), Via E.Tricomi n. 5, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Heather Johnson
- Department of Pharmacy and Therapeutics, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, 3501 Terrace Street, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Alessio Provenzani
- Clinical Pharmacy Service, Mediterranean Institute for Transplantation and Advanced Specialized Therapies (ISMETT), Via E.Tricomi n. 5, 90127, Palermo, Italy.
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Helmick RA, Eymard CM, Naik S, Eason JD, Nezakatgoo N, Nair S, Vanatta JM. A report of a prospective randomized trial of extended-release tacrolimus versus immediate release tacrolimus after liver transplantation with anti-thymocyte induction in a steroid free protocol. Clin Transplant 2024; 38:e15172. [PMID: 37897198 DOI: 10.1111/ctr.15172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Our study hypothesis was that once daily dosing of extended-release tacrolimus (XRT) would be a safe and effective immunosuppression (IS) with the potential to decrease adverse events (AEs) associated with immediate release tacrolimus (IRT) after liver transplantation (LT). METHODS All patients receiving LT at our center received rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin (RATG) induction therapy. Eligible patients were randomized in a 1:1 fashion to receive either XRT or IRT. Antimicrobial prophylaxis was the same between arms, and both groups received an antimetabolite for the first 6 months following LT. Patients were then followed at pre-determined study intervals for the following year after LT. We administered the RAND-36SF survey to assess patient's health-related quality of life at pre-determined intervals. All analysis was performed with an intention to treat basis. RESULTS We screened 194 consecutive patients and enrolled 110. Our control and study arms were well matched. Transplant characteristics were similar between groups. At all timepoints, both arms had similar serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), calculated by MDRD6 equation, with post-transplant GFRs between 60 and 70 mL/min/1.73 m2 . Tacrolimus trough levels were similar between arms. The XRT arm had fewer AEs (166) and fewer serious AEs (70) compared to IRT (201 and 99, respectively). AEs most commonly were renal, infectious, or gastrointestinal in nature. While not statistically significant, XRT was held temporarily (25 vs. 35 cases) or discontinued (3 vs. 11 cases) less frequently than IRT and had fewer instances of rejection (7 vs. 12 cases). CONCLUSION This analysis showed that XRT is safe and effective as de novo maintenance IS in a steroid-free protocol with RATG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan A Helmick
- Methodist Transplant Institute, Methodist University Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplantation, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Corey M Eymard
- Methodist Transplant Institute, Methodist University Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplantation, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Surabhi Naik
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplantation, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - James D Eason
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplantation, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Nosratollah Nezakatgoo
- Methodist Transplant Institute, Methodist University Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplantation, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Satheesh Nair
- Methodist Transplant Institute, Methodist University Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplantation, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jason M Vanatta
- Methodist Transplant Institute, Methodist University Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplantation, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
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Wagle Shukla A, Lunny C, Mahboob O, Khalid U, Joyce M, Jha N, Nagaraja N, Shukla AM. Tremor Induced by Cyclosporine, Tacrolimus, Sirolimus, or Everolimus: A Review of the Literature. Drugs R D 2023; 23:301-329. [PMID: 37606750 PMCID: PMC10676343 DOI: 10.1007/s40268-023-00428-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Calcineurin inhibitors such as cyclosporine and tacrolimus are immunosuppressant drugs that are known to induce tremors. Non-calcineurin inhibitors such as sirolimus and everolimus have also reportedly been accompanied by tremors, albeit less likely. However, the prevalence rates reported in the literature are notably wide, and the risk profiles for these drug-induced tremors are less understood. We searched PubMed to extract data on the risk of tremors with these drugs when prescribed for various transplant and non-transplant indications. We ascertained whether the risk of drug-induced tremor is influenced by the underlying diagnosis, dosing formulations, drug concentrations, and blood monitoring. We extracted data on treatment strategies and outcomes for tremors. Articles were primarily screened based on English language publications, abstracts, and studies with n ≥ 5, which included case series, retrospective studies, case-controlled studies, and prospective studies. We found 81 eligible studies comprising 33 cyclosporine, 43 tacrolimus, 6 sirolimus, and 1 everolimus that discussed tremor as an adverse event. In the pooled analysis of studies with n > 100, the incidence of tremor was 17% with cyclosporine, 21.5% with tacrolimus, and 7.8% with sirolimus and everolimus together. Regarding the underlying diagnosis, tremor was more frequently reported in kidney transplant (cyclosporine 28%, tacrolimus 30.1%) and bone marrow transplant (cyclosporine 40%, tacrolimus 41.9%) patients compared with liver transplant (cyclosporine 9%, tacrolimus 11.5%) and nontransplant indications (cyclosporine 21.5%, tacrolimus 11.3%). Most studies did not report whether the risk of tremors correlated with drug concentrations in the blood. The prevalence of tremors when using the twice-daily formulation of tacrolimus was nearly the same as the once-daily formulation (17% vs 18%). Data on individual-level risk factors for tremors were lacking. Except for three studies that found some benefit to maintaining magnesium levels, there were minimal data on treatments and outcomes. A large body of data supports a substantive and wide prevalence of tremor resulting from tacrolimus use followed by cyclosporine, especially in patients receiving a kidney transplant. However, there is little reporting on the patient-related risk factors for tremor, risk relationship with drug concentrations, treatment strategies, and outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aparna Wagle Shukla
- Department of Neurology, Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, University of Florida, Fixel Institute for Neurological Disorders, 3009 Williston Road, Gainesville, FL, 32608, USA.
| | - Caroline Lunny
- Department of Neurology, Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, University of Florida, Fixel Institute for Neurological Disorders, 3009 Williston Road, Gainesville, FL, 32608, USA
| | - Omar Mahboob
- Florida State University Medical School, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Uzair Khalid
- University of Toronto Medical School, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Malea Joyce
- North Florida South Georgia Veteran Healthcare System, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Nivedita Jha
- Department of Neurology, Tower Health, Reading Hospital, Reading, PA, USA
| | - Nandakumar Nagaraja
- Department of Neurology, Penn State University College of Medicine, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Ashutosh M Shukla
- North Florida South Georgia Veteran Healthcare System, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Modi P, Qiu L, Fallah T, Courtwright A, Halpern CH. Magnetic Resonance Guided Focused Ultrasound Thalamotomy for Treatment of Severe Essential Tremor in a Lung Transplant Recipient-A Case Report. Transplant Proc 2023; 55:1988-1990. [PMID: 37495484 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2023.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Calcineurin inhibitor-related tremors occur in up to 50% of solid organ transplant recipients and are disabling in severe cases. We describe a bilateral lung transplant recipient with essential tremors that significantly worsened after tacrolimus initiation. She did not have improvement with the change to extended-release tacrolimus, the use of everolimus as a calcineurin inhibitor-sparing agent, or the addition of primidone, clonazepam, or propranolol. She underwent magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound thalamotomy with significant improvement in her tremor and activities of daily living.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pranav Modi
- Advanced Lung Diseases and Lung Transplantation, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
| | - Liming Qiu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Pennsylvania Hospital, Perelman School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Tara Fallah
- Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Andrew Courtwright
- Advanced Lung Diseases and Lung Transplantation, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Casey H Halpern
- Department of Neurosurgery, Pennsylvania Hospital, Perelman School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Department of Surgery, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Wilson NK, Schulz P, Wall A, Parrott M, Testa G, Johannesson L, Sam T. Immunosuppression in Uterus Transplantation: Experience From the Dallas Uterus Transplant Study. Transplantation 2023; 107:729-736. [PMID: 36445981 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000004437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Uterus transplantation is a temporary transplant allowing women with absolute uterine factor infertility to experience pregnancy and childbirth. The degree of immunosuppression (IS) required to prevent rejection while minimizing toxicity to the recipient and fetus remains an area of investigation. METHODS In this article, we describe immunosuppressive therapy, rejection episodes, infections, and adverse events in 14 uterus transplant recipients. Induction consisted of antithymocyte globulin and methylprednisolone. Ten recipients (71%) received no steroids postoperatively, and 4 (29%) had steroids tapered off at 42 d. All received oral tacrolimus, either immediate release (n = 2, 14%) or extended release (n = 12, 86%). Mycophenolate was used in 4 cases (29%), de novo azathioprine in 9 (64%), and de novo everolimus in 1 (7%). RESULTS Sixteen clinically silent, treatment-responsive rejection episodes occurred in 10 recipients. Five recipients (36%) experienced acute kidney injury. In 3 recipients, IS was discontinued due to renal dysfunction. Eleven infection episodes were noted in 7 recipients. No babies had congenital abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS Our experience demonstrates that safe IS regimens can be used for uterus transplant recipients before and during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole K Wilson
- Department of Pharmacy, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Philipp Schulz
- Department of Transplant, Annette C. and Harold C. Simmons Transplant Institute, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Anji Wall
- Department of Transplant, Annette C. and Harold C. Simmons Transplant Institute, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Megan Parrott
- Department of Transplant, Annette C. and Harold C. Simmons Transplant Institute, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Giuliano Testa
- Department of Transplant, Annette C. and Harold C. Simmons Transplant Institute, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Liza Johannesson
- Department of Transplant, Annette C. and Harold C. Simmons Transplant Institute, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Teena Sam
- Department of Pharmacy, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX
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Phenomenology and Physiology of Tacrolimus Induced Tremor. Tremor Other Hyperkinet Mov (N Y) 2023; 13:2. [PMID: 36818753 PMCID: PMC9912847 DOI: 10.5334/tohm.725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Tacrolimus is a potent immunosuppressant drug commonly used after solid organ transplant surgery. The use of this drug is frequently associated with the emergence of tremors. There is little information on the clinical and physiological characteristics of tacrolimus-induced tremors. Characterizing these tremors is essential as they can promote the development of specific therapies. Methods We describe four patients placed on tacrolimus immunosuppressant therapy following kidney transplant surgery and who developed tremors impacting their daily functional activities. We describe the clinical and physiological characteristics of the tremor and the response generated after a limb cooling test. Results A postural and kinetic tremor mainly involving the distal hands was observed in our cohort. In the accelerometer-based assessment, the tremor amplitude was noted to be mild to moderate, and the frequency was 5-6 Hz. Cooling the forearm and the hand led to a temporary albeit significant reduction of tremor amplitude (p = 0.03). Limb cooling lowered the tremor frequency by 1 Hz in two patients with no change in the other two patients, and the statistical comparison was not significant (p > 0.05). Conclusions Limb cooling may be pursued as a therapeutic option for addressing tacrolimus-induced tremor, as the patients in our cohort benefitted from temporary tremor suppression.
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Nelson J, Alvey N, Bowman L, Schulte J, Segovia M, McDermott J, Te HS, Kapila N, Levine DJ, Gottlieb RL, Oberholzer J, Campara M. Consensus recommendations for use of maintenance immunosuppression in solid organ transplantation: Endorsed by the American College of Clinical Pharmacy, American Society of Transplantation, and the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation. Pharmacotherapy 2022; 42:599-633. [DOI: 10.1002/phar.2716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joelle Nelson
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Pharmacy Services University Health San Antonio Texas USA
- Pharmacotherapy Education and Research Center University of Texas Health San Antonio San Antonio Texas USA
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmacotherapy Division, College of Pharmacy The University of Texas at Austin Austin Texas USA
| | - Nicole Alvey
- Department of Pharmacy Rush University Medical Center Chicago Illinois USA
- Science and Pharmacy Roosevelt University College of Health Schaumburg Illinois USA
| | - Lyndsey Bowman
- Department of Pharmacy Tampa General Hospital Tampa Florida USA
| | - Jamie Schulte
- Department of Pharmacy Services Thomas Jefferson University Hospital Philadelphia Pennsylvania USA
| | | | - Jennifer McDermott
- Richard DeVos Heart and Lung Transplant Program, Spectrum Health Grand Rapids Michigan USA
- Department of Medicine, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine Grand Rapids Michigan USA
| | - Helen S. Te
- Liver Transplantation, Center for Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine University of Chicago Medical Center Chicago Illinois USA
| | - Nikhil Kapila
- Department of Transplant Hepatology Duke University Hospital Durham North Carolina USA
| | - Deborah Jo Levine
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio San Antonio Texas USA
| | - Robert L. Gottlieb
- Baylor University Medical Center and Baylor Scott and White Research Institute Dallas Texas USA
| | - Jose Oberholzer
- Department of Surgery/Division of Transplantation University of Virginia Charlottesville Virginia USA
| | - Maya Campara
- Department of Surgery University of Illinois Chicago Chicago Illinois USA
- Department of Pharmacy Practice University of Illinois Chicago Chicago Illinois USA
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