Feasibility of Interleukin-6 Receptor Blockade in Cardiac Antibody-mediated Rejection.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) remains a significant cause of heart transplant mortality with few effective therapies.

Methods

This study aimed to describe initial experience of using interleukin-6 receptor blockade with tocilizumab in the treatment of acute cardiac AMR at Barnes-Jewish Hospital/Washington University Transplant Center from July 2017 to May 2021 (n = 7). Clinical, echocardiographic, and serum alloantibody data were analyzed before and after treatment.

Results

All participants demonstrated marked improvement in functional status. Echocardiographic data following 4-6 mo of tocilizumab revealed significant improvements in biventricular systolic function for all participants. Consistent reductions in donor-specific HLA or angiotensin type I r

SUBMITTER: Pottebaum AA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10798586 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature