PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - A Joseph
AU  - D Raj
AU  - V Shanmuganathan
AU  - R J Powell
AU  - H S Dua
TI  - Tacrolimus immunosuppression in high-risk corneal grafts
AID  - 10.1136/bjo.2006.097428
DP  - 2007 Jan 01
TA  - British Journal of Ophthalmology
PG  - 51--55
VI  - 91
IP  - 1
4099  - http://bjo.bmj.com/content/91/1/51.short
4100  - http://bjo.bmj.com/content/91/1/51.full
SO  - Br J Ophthalmol2007 Jan 01; 91
AB  - Background: Unlike the immune privilege enjoyed by low-risk corneal grafts, high-risk corneal grafts experience rejection rates comparable to liver and kidney transplants. Systemic immunosuppression reduces the risk of rejection in high-risk corneal grafts. Methods: Systemic tacrolimus, a specific T cell inhibitor, was used at a mean daily dose of 2.5 mg to immunosuppress 43 patients undergoing high-risk corneal transplantation. Immunosuppression was continued for a period of 18–24 months after the high-risk corneal graft. Results: During a mean follow-up period of 33.7 months, clarity of the graft was maintained in 65% of patients. Eight patients experienced rejection episodes while on tacrolimus, and this led to graft failure in five patients. Conclusion: Tacrolimus is relatively safe and effective in reducing rejection and prolonging graft survival in patients with high-risk keratoplasty compared with other series where similar immunosuppression was not used.