Drug-Induced Myelosuppression in Kidney Transplant Patients

Abstract

Renal transplant is considered the best therapeutic option for suitable patients with end-stage kidney failure. Hematological complications that occur after kidney transplant include posttransplant anemia, leukopenia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia. Severely persistent leukopenia and neutropenia events predispose patients to infection, including opportunistic infections. The mainstay tactic for such complications is to reduce the burden of the immunosuppression by the offending agent, but this tactic is associated with increased risk of acute rejection. Given the absence of laboratory investigations to specifically identify the culprit, a complete withdrawal of these agents may be the ultimate diagnostic option. Future therapeutic strategies, however, should focus on reducing the immunosuppressive burden, the introduction of less myelotoxic agents, early recognition, and prompt treatment of infectious episodes. This will help in the optimization of the myelopoietic function and normalization of the hematological profile, resulting in better allograft and patient survival.