INCREASED INCIDENCE OF INSULIN-DEPENDENT DIABETES-MELLITUS IN PEDIATRIC RENAL-TRANSPLANT PATIENTS RECEIVING TACROLIMUS (FK506)

Background. Use of tacrolimus (FK506), a potent immunosuppressive agen t, has been reported to have a 10-20% incidence of insulin-dependent d iabetes mellitus (IDDM) in adults, but the incidence of IDDM in pediat ric renal transplant recipients treated with this agent is unknown. In this article, we report our single-center experience with FK506-induc ed IDDM in children. Methods, Five consecutive living related donor pe diatric renal transplants were reviewed retrospectively. Results, All five patients developed IDDM lasting longer than 6 months. Mean follow -up time was 18.6 months, Conclusions, Pediatric patients may be at hi gh risk for developing FK506-induced IDDM.