Immunosuppressive therapy

Immunosuppressive therapy is a form of medical treatment that reduces the body's immune response. This type of therapy is often used to prevent the body from rejecting a transplanted organ, and it is also used in the treatment of autoimmune diseases or diseases that are most likely of autoimmune origin.

Overview

Immunosuppressive therapy involves the administration of drugs that suppress the immune system. These drugs, known as immunosuppressants, can be divided into two categories: induction drugs, which are used at the time of transplantation, and maintenance drugs, which are used for the long-term.

Indications

Immunosuppressive therapy is indicated in the following situations:

• Organ transplantation: To prevent the body from rejecting a transplanted organ.
• Autoimmune diseases: To reduce the body's immune response against its own cells and tissues.
• Certain other conditions: Such as some forms of anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia.

Types of Immunosuppressants

There are several types of immunosuppressants used in immunosuppressive therapy. These include:

• Corticosteroids
• Calcineurin inhibitors
• mTOR inhibitors
• Antiproliferative agents
• Monoclonal antibodies
• Polyclonal antibodies

Side Effects

Like all medications, immunosuppressants can cause side effects. These may include:

• Increased susceptibility to infections
• Increased risk of certain types of cancer
• Bone marrow suppression
• Liver and kidney damage
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol levels
• Weight gain
• Diabetes
• Gastrointestinal problems

See Also

• Transplant rejection
• Autoimmune diseases
• Immunosuppressants

References

Immunosuppressive therapy Resources
Latest articles Most recent articles Ongoing trials	Wikipedia