Comparison of Enteric-Coated Mycophenolate Sodium With Mycophenolate Mofetil in Living Renal Allograft Transplantation

Abstract

Objective Enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium (MPS) has been developed to decrease the GI side effects of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). We did a retrospective analysis of 112 patients to compare the safety and efficacy of enteric coated MPS vs MMF in living renal transplantation. Methods Patients were divided into two groups. Group A who received MPS [Novartis, Basel, Switzerland] [1.08–1.44 g/d] included 53 patients of mean age 33.5 ± 11.9 yrs, and M:F gender ratio 37:15 with a mean donor age of 43.2 ± 9.9 years. Group B who received MMF [1.5–2.0 g/d] included 59 subjects of mean age 33.2 ± 9.9 yrs and M:F gender ratio 57:6, with a mean donor age of 41.4 ± 10.9 years. All patients received cyclosporine and prednisolone in addition to mycophenolate. Mean follow-up in the two groups was 11.6 ± 7.0 and 12.6 ± 8.5 months, respectively. Results There were 11 (20.7%) rejection episodes in Group A and 12 (20.3%) rejection episodes in Group B ( P = NS). Incidence of CMV disease was 9.61% and 10.1%, and of other infections, 88.7% and 74.7% in Groups A and Group B, respectively [ P = NS]. The incidence of GI (18.9% & 20.3%) and hematologic toxicities (9.4% & 5.1%) were similar in the groups. Patient and graft survivals in Group A were 91.9% & 86.6%, and in Group B was 91.3% & 91.3%, respectively [ P = NS]. Conclusion Mycophenolate sodium is an alternative immunosuppressant to mycophenolate mofetil in kidney transplant recipients with a similar efficacy and safety profile.