Antilymphocyte immunoglobulins

Short-term toxicity from polyclonal antilymphocyte immunoglobulins has been particularly marked in... 

Home care can also give support to heart transplant patients. In our center we have the experience of a program for organ rejection therapy, antilymphocyte immunoglobulin, and high dosage of methylprednisolone at home. After the experience, we can say that it is feasible to carry out this treatment at home and the satisfaction of the patients is high. ... 

The reasons for the reduction in neuromuscular blockade with azathioprine and antilymphocyte immunoglobulins are not understood. It has been suggested that azathioprine may inhibit phosphodiesterase at the motor nerve terminal resulting in increased release of acetylcholine. ... 

Direct information seems to be limited to the reports cited, and the interactions are not established. Although retrospective data suggest that aza-thioprine and antilymphocyte immunoglobulins can cause a reduction in the effects of neuromuscular blockers, and in some cases the dosage may need to be increased two- to fourfold, the only prospective study found that the interaction with azathioprine was not clinically significant. The general importance of the ciclosporin interaction is also uncertain, but be alert for an increase in the effects of atracurium, pancuronium or vecuronium in any patient receiving ciclosporin. Not all patients appear to develop this interaction. More study is needed. 

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