Use of Prograf (FK 506) as rescue therapy for refractory rejection after liver transplantation. US Multicenter FK 506 Liver Study Group.

This report describes the clinical characteristics and demographics of patients enrolled into this rescue trial for patients experiencing refractory rejection after liver transplantation. Actuarial graft and patient survival at 12 months postconversion was 50% and 72%, respectively. Actual treatment success at 3 months postconversion was 70%. Karnofsky scores and liver function tests were significantly improved for patients continuing on therapy indicating clinical benefit in these patients. The safety profile of FK 506 is acceptable for such a high-risk group of patients. These preliminary clinical results support the conclusion that FK 506 can effectively control and reverse refractory rejection in a majority of liver transplantation patients.