Tacrolimus (FK506) for high-risk corneal and limbal grafts

Abstract

Sloper et al recently reported (Ophthalmology 2001;108:1838–44) an excellent case series detailing the use of tacrolimus (FK506) in the management of high-risk corneal and limbal grafts. This article is the first report in the literature describing the systemic use of tacrolimus in the management of high-risk corneal and limbal grafts and is therefore significant in our opinion. The authors describe two patients in their report in whom “irreversible” renal toxicity developed secondary to tacrolimus and ultimate graft failure. We also have used systemic tacrolimus and sirolimus in two patients with high-risk corneal allografts. Unfortunately, in both patients, renal toxicity developed secondary to the immunosuppressive regimen. The immunosuppressive dosage was reduced in both patients as a result of rising creatinine levels, and the grafts ultimately were rejected. Sloper et al recently reported (Ophthalmology 2001;108:1838–44) an excellent case series detailing the use of tacrolimus (FK506) in the management of high-risk corneal and limbal grafts. This article is the first report in the literature describing the systemic use of tacrolimus in the management of high-risk corneal and limbal grafts and is therefore significant in our opinion. The authors describe two patients in their report in whom “irreversible” renal toxicity developed secondary to tacrolimus and ultimate graft failure. We also have used systemic tacrolimus and sirolimus in two patients with high-risk corneal allografts. Unfortunately, in both patients, renal toxicity developed secondary to the immunosuppressive regimen. The immunosuppressive dosage was reduced in both patients as a result of rising creatinine levels, and the grafts ultimately were rejected. Author replyOphthalmologyVol. 109Issue 11Preview Full-Text PDF