Follow-up and surveillance of immunosuppressive treatment in intestinal transplantation

Objective To evaluate the efficiency of monitoring parameters and methods of immunosuppresive treatment in intestinal transplantation and to provide scientific evidence for establishment of Intestinal Transplant Registry.Methods The data of 15 patients receiving intestinal transplantation between 1994 and 2009 were analyzed retrospectively for one year. The patients were fallen into 3 eras (1994-1995, 2003-2006, 2007-2009) according to different immunosuppresive strategies. The perioperative status and one-year survival rate were followed up. The monitoring frequency of implications of intestinal transplantation, such as rejection, infection, toxic and side-effects, was evaluated. The monitoring parameters were examined in the proportion of lymphocytes, concentration of tacrolimus, and function of the liver and kidney during a follow-up period of one year.Results During 1994-1995 and 2003-2006, the survival time of grafts was under one year. During 2007-2009, the 6-month and one-year survival rate in 5 patients (grafts) was 100% and 83.33% respectively; The increased frequency of rejection occurred during 7 to 12 months after operation; The closure of abdominal stoma was postponed from postoperative six months to one year; Asymptomatic mild rejection after operation was examined (10/13, 76.92%).Conclusion During one year postoperation, monitoring methods, parameters and frequency for immunosuppressive treatment in intestinal transplantation are rational, and may monitor the disease conditions of the patients. Key words: Small intestine transplantation; Immunosuppression; Follow up; Surveillance