Oral administration of cyclosporin A for recipients of allogeneic marrow transplants: implications of clinical gut dysfunction

Abstract

Cyclosporin A (CyA) was used to minimize graft-vs.-host disease (GVHD) in 28 recipients of allogeneic marrow transplants. When given orally, the absorption of CyA was markedly dependent on normal gut function. Patients without gut dysfunction showed normal serum concentration-time curves, while those with diarrhea from any cause (chemo-radiation enteritis, acute GVHD of the gut and infectious enteritis) showed minimal absorption of the drug. The desirability of i.v. administration of CyA during periods of gut dysfunction in marrow transplant recipients is indicated.