A 45-year-old man develops end-stage renal disease due to diabetic nephropathy. He undergoes a renal transplant with a kidney donated from his sister. Which of the following immune suppression therapies are usually used to prevent rejection in renal transplant patients?
Cyclosporine A blocks production of inter-leukin-2 (IL-2) by helper-inducer (CD4+) T cells. It works alone but is more effective in combination with glucocorticoids. The use of cyclosporine has improved 1-year cadaveric survival rates to the 80%-85% range. Side effects include hepatotoxicity, hirsutism, tremor, and gingival hyperplasia, but only the nephrotoxicity presents a serious management problem.
splenectomy and irradiation
plasmapheresis and steroids
cyclosporine and steroids
azathioprine and plasmapheresis
Kidney