Tacrolimus-related polyneuropathy: case report and review of the literature

Clin Neurol Neurosurg. 2008 Mar;110(3):291-4. doi: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2007.10.014. Epub 2007 Dec 4.

Abstract

Patients, in particular recipients of orthotopic liver transplants, receiving the immunosuppressant tacrolimus (FK-506), are at risk for developing central neurotoxic adverse events. We report the occurrence of a tacrolimus-induced peripheral neurotoxic event, i.e. pure motor axonal polyneuropathy of the lower limbs in a 44-year-old woman, 9 days after combined orthotopic liver and pancreas transplantation. She was treated for 5 days with intravenous immunoglobulins. Partial recovery followed over months to years. An overview of all 11 reported FK506-associated polyneuropathies is given.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / therapeutic use
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects*
  • Liver Transplantation / immunology
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 / complications
  • Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 / surgery
  • Pancreas Transplantation / immunology
  • Pancreatectomy
  • Polyneuropathies / chemically induced*
  • Polyneuropathies / drug therapy
  • Tacrolimus / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Tacrolimus