CYCLOSPORINE-INDUCED HEMOLYTIC-UREMIC SYNDROME IN A HEART-TRANSPLANT RECIPIENT

We report a case of hemolytic uremic syndrome associated with the use of cyclosporine in a heart transplant recipient. The patient manifeste d many classic sips and symptoms of hemolytic uremic syndrome, and a d iagnosis was confirmed by kidney biopsy. Treatment with plasma exchang e was effective in halting the hemolysis, but renal function failed to improve. Rechallenge with cyclosporine caused recurrence of microangi opathic hemolysis. Because of concerns regarding allograft rejection, an experimental immunosuppressive agent, RS-61443, was used that was e ffective in controlling rejection and was not associated with recurren ce of hemolytic uremic syndrome.