FK506-induced neurotoxicity in liver transplantation

We report FK506-induced neurotoxicity in 14 of 44 consecutive patients following orthoptic liver transplantation. In 10 of these 14 patients, postural hand tremors were found in the first weeks following surgery, transient apraxia of speech in 3, and generalized tonic-clonic seizures were noted in 2...

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Published inAnnals of neurology Vol. 35; no. 4; p. 498
Main Authors Wijdicks, E F, Wiesner, R H, Dahlke, L J, Krom, R A
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.04.1994
Subjects
Adult
Female
Humans
Liver Transplantation
Male
Middle Aged
Nervous System Diseases - chemically induced
Tacrolimus - adverse effects
Tacrolimus - blood
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Summary:We report FK506-induced neurotoxicity in 14 of 44 consecutive patients following orthoptic liver transplantation. In 10 of these 14 patients, postural hand tremors were found in the first weeks following surgery, transient apraxia of speech in 3, and generalized tonic-clonic seizures were noted in 2 patients. Other manifestations included nightmares, agitation, and acute delirium. Reduction of the FK506 dose resulted in resolution of symptoms, but in 1 patient mild speech difficulties and in 3 patients a fine tremor remained. Blood and plasma levels of FK506 were similar in patients with and without neurotoxicity. FK506 neurotoxicity in patients with liver transplantation commonly results in transient neurological manifestations. The incidence of neurotoxicity in FK506 is dramatically reduced in maintenance doses of 0.075 mg/kg twice a day.
ISSN:0364-5134
DOI:10.1002/ana.410350422