BACKGROUND Vitiligo is a multifactorial disease that is characterized by circumscribed depigmented macules and patches. Autoimmune reactions may play an important role in the pathogenesis of the disease. Mycophenolate mofetil is a drug that inhibits DNA synthesis in lymphocytes and has been used in autoimmune diseases such as immunobullous skin diseases, lupus erythematosus, and autoimmune hepa...

In chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (CHP), lack of improvement or declining lung function may prompt use of immunosuppressive therapy. We hypothesised that use of azathioprine or mycophenolate mofetil with prednisone reduces adverse events and lung function decline, and improves transplant-free survival. Patients with CHP were identified. Demographic features, pulmonary function tests, inci...

BACKGROUND Despite use of a lower mycophenolate dose in Thai kidney transplant patients, acceptable graft and patient outcomes can be achieved. We therefore examined the pharmacokinetics of mycophenolic acid (MPA) by area under the curve (AUC) and investigated genetic contribution in mycophenolate metabolism in this population. METHODS Kidney transplant recipients with stable graft function w...

UNLABELLED Although recipients of a first HLA-identical living-donor kidney transplant seem to need less immunosuppression, there are no guideline recommendations for these patients, and few prospective trials are available. METHODS We analyzed all PRA-negative patients who received a first kidney transplant from an HLA-identical living donor. The patients received no antibody induction. An i...

Background: The introduction of sirolimus has provided the opportunity to develop an immunosuppressive regimen without the nephrotoxic calcineurin inhibitors. Methods: we conducted a first trial in 30 renal allograft recipients. Ten patients were followed prospectively and received sirolimus, to achieve a target blood level of 10 to 15 ng/ml, induction therapy with one dose of daclizumab, low-d...

PURPOSE We evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of mycophenolate mofetil in patients with treatment refractory interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 210 patients with interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome were to be randomized into a multicenter, placebo controlled trial using a 2:1 randomization. Participants in whom at least 3 interstit...

BACKGROUND Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is the first inflammatory autoimmune demyelinating disease of the central nervous system for which a specific antigenic target has been identified; the marker autoantibody NMO-IgG specifically recognizes the astrocytic water channel aquaporin 4. Current evidence strongly suggests that NMO-IgG may be pathogenic. Since disability accrues incrementally related...

The incidence of progressive nephropathies and, consequently, the population suffering from end-stage renal disease have increased steadily in recent years, posing an ever-growing cost, in both human and financial terms, to society. There is mounting evidence that, in both immune-mediated and nonimmune-mediated chronic nephropathies, renal inflammatory events are key to the propagation and perp...

Mycophenolate (MMF) has arisen as an important addition in the immunosuppression armamentarium. GI disturbances (diarrhea) and bone marrow suppression are its main side effects requiring dose reduction or even withdrawal. The mechanism of diarrhoea is unknown, although some theories have been postulated. We evaluated three of our patients on MMF who came to us with chronic diarhoea. Their evalu...

Pyoderma gangrenosum is a rare non infectious neutrophilic dermatosis commonly associated with underlying systemic disease. Many treatment regimens have been reported. Herein, we report a case of refractory pyoderma gangrenosum with good response to combination of cyclosporine and mycophenolate mofetil.