The Effect of Immunosuppression on Kaposi Sarcoma: A Case Series
Published: 2024-10-29
Page: 233-238
Issue: 2024 - Volume 7 [Issue 2]
Rita Nkiru Ajirenike *
Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.
Amaewhule Mary Nnneda
Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.
Dasetima D. Altraide
University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.
Figilo Ibeinmo Moses
Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
Amadi Ekechi Stella
Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.
Johnson Mine
Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.
Ogbu Christian.
Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Kaposi sarcoma (K.S) is a rare type of cancer with four clinical variants which has a link to Human Herpes Virus (HHV-8) in the etiology. Commonly seen are the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) -related variants. Kaposi Sarcoma occurring after solid-organ transplant is a cause of public health concern as immunosuppressive medications especially the Calcineurin inhibitors play a key role in the development of Kaposi Sarcoma after organ transplantation.
In this series, six patients with Kaposi Sarcoma were presented. Four patients had retro-viral disease; sero-positive to HIV 1 & 2 who were not compliant with their Highly Active Retro-viral Therapy (HAART), a male patient with post-transport K.S, and a case of suspected classic K.S.
In patients with Kaposi Sarcoma, early detection and switching Transplant recipient on Calcineurin inhibitors to mTOR inhibitors are basic parameters for successful management.
Keywords: Kaposi Sarcoma, Retroviral disease (RVD), renal transplantation, Calcineurin inhibitors, mTOR inhibitors