[Sirolimus-induced lymphedema in a kidney-transplant recipient: Partial recovery after changeover to tacrolimus].

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Lymphedema induced by mTOR inhibitors is a side-effect rarely reported to date.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Long-lasting bilateral lower-limb lymphedema with left predominance developed in a 71-year-old stable renal transplant recipient after 40 months of sirolimus treatment. Although no change in lymphedema was observed after 21 months despite dosage reduced, it improved markedly after changeover to tacrolimus.

DISCUSSION:

Regardless of the individual drug, mTOR inhibitors can cause lymphedema. This effect may be countered through substitution with tacrolimus.

CONCLUSION:

Physicians should be aware of lymphedema as a side-effect of mTOR inhibitors. It can be improved by substitution with tacrolimus. However, early withdrawal of mTOR inhibitors is recommended before irreversible lymphedema occurs.

• Authors: M Al Gain, B Crickx, C Bejar, L Chen, L Azeroual, E Marinho, V Descamps
• Journal: Annales de dermatologie et de venereologie (Ann Dermatol Venereol) Vol. 142 Issue 5 Pg. 350-5 (May 2015) ISSN: 0151-9638 [Print] France
• Vernacular Title: Lymphœdème induit par le sirolimus chez une greffée rénale : amélioration après remplacement par le tacrolimus.
• PMID: 25683011 (Publication Type: Case Reports, English Abstract, Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Immunosuppressive Agents
• Sirolimus
• Tacrolimus

Topics

• Aged
• Female
• Humans
• Immunosuppressive Agents (adverse effects)
• Kidney Transplantation
• Lymphedema (chemically induced)
• Sirolimus (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Tacrolimus (therapeutic use)
• Transplant Recipients