The effects of pentoxifylline on the prevention of cyclosporine-induced nephrotoxicity in cardiac transplant patients

The objective of this trial was to determine if oral pentoxifylline (PTX) reduced cyclosporine (CSA)-induced renal dysfunction in cardiac transplant patients in the 8 months following transplantation. The study was a prospective, open-label, crossover trial evaluating the renal effects of PTX in nine postcardiac transplant patients. Patients received PTX 2 weeks posttransplant and continued therapy for 4 months. Patients were evaluated for an additional 4 months thereafter. During the trial, various renal function tests were performed and CSA concentrations were measured at set intervals. Baseline measurements were compared with all subsequent measurements. In addition, 'on-PTX' data were compared with 'off-PTX' data. Significant alterations in results of renal function tests were not seen during the trial when compared with baseline values. Although no significant changes in renal function were observed during the study, no patient developed CSA-induced acute renal failure during the 4 months posttransplant. This finding suggests that PTX may offer a nephroprotective effect against CSA-induced toxicity.