Use of a 'CNI holidays' strategy in acute renal dysfunction late after heart transplant. Report of two cases

Background Acute renal dysfunction (ARD) may appear in heart transplant (HTx) patients both in the early postoperative period and during follow-up, even after several years. CD25 is a subunit of the interleukin-2 receptor which is found exclusively on activated CD4 T lymphocytes. CD25 is crucial for clonal expansion of anti-allograft host lymphocytes that mediate in acute rejection. There are experiences supporting the use of Anti-CD25 monoclonal antibodies (MAb) immediately after HTx in patients with ARD as a bridge to renal function recovery, allowing the temporary suspension of treatment with CNI. Methods In this study we report two cases of successful use of weekly MAb (basiliximab) in HTx patients who developed late ARD after HTx. Conclusions In coclusion, we think that in cases of ARD where CNI therapy plays a key role, the use of weekly doses of basiliximab allows CNI discontinuation until the restoration of renal function is achieved.