IP Journal of Urology, Nephrology and Hepatology Science

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Safety of mycophenolate in covid-19 infection: A case series

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Case Report

Author Details : Atul D Sajgure*, Vasanti A Sajgure, Girish V Date, Ajit P Kulkarni

Volume : 4, Issue : 2, Year : 2021

Article Page : 53-58

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Abstract

Background: The pandemic of Covid-19 infection has affected all countries in the world. Kidney transplant recipients show higher mortality due to Covid-19 infection than general population. Cytokine storm is an important cause of mortality. Antiviral and immunosuppressive agents are used in the treatment of Covid-19 infection. In patients who are on Mycophenolate for other indications, it is promptly discontinued after development of Covid-19 infection. We studied a series of 14 patients in whom Mycophenolate was continued during Covid-19 infection.
Aim: To see whether Mycophenolate administration was safe in Covid-19 infection.
Materials and Methods: We studied records of 14 cases, 7 kidney transplant recipients and 7 patients with glomerular diseases, in whom Mycophenolate was continued along with standard of care during Covid-19 infection.
Results: 4 renal transplant recipients had 30% to 75% lung involvement on high resolution tomography of the chest while 3 patients with glomerular diseases had 30% (1 patient) and 50% (2 patients) lung involvement because of Covid-19 infection. All patients recovered completely within 2 weeks. There was no worsening of renal function and drop in blood cell counts. Mycophenolate was well tolerated, and no adverse effects were noted.
Conclusions: Mycophenolate administration is safe during Covid-19 infection. Mycophenolate, an Inosine Monophosphate Dehydrogenase (IMPDH) inhibitor, decreases guanosine synthesis, the basis of its antiviral and immunosuppressive effects. It could be an effective immunosuppressive agent in Covid-19 infection. Its antiviral effects would be helpful in decreasing the mortality. It is likely to be useful in different strains other viral pandemics in future.

Keywords: Covid-19, Cytokine storm, Mortality, Mycophenolate.

How to cite : Sajgure A D, Sajgure V A, Date G V, Kulkarni A P, Safety of mycophenolate in covid-19 infection: A case series. J Urol Nephrol Hepatol Sci 2021;4(2):53-58

Copyright © 2021 by author(s) and J Urol Nephrol Hepatol Sci. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (creativecommons.org)