Conversion from mycophenolate mofetil to enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium in renal transplant recipients with gastrointestinal tract disorders

Objective. The objective of this prospective study was to evaluate the effect of conversion from mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) to enteric-coated mycophenotate sodium (EC-MPS) in renal transplant recipients with gastrointestinal tract (GI) reverse effects using patient-reported outcomes instrument. Methods. A multicenter, open-label, prospective study was undertaken in renal transplant recipients treated with NIME In patients experiencing GI tract symptoms, treatment was changed to equimolar EC-MPS (myfortic). At baseline and visit 2 (4-6 weeks after baseline), patients completed the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) and Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI), and physicians completed the Overall Treatment Effect (OTE) scale at visit 2. A difference of 0.5 or greater in the OTE score is indicative of clinical relevance. Results. Of 154 patients screened, 118 fulfilled the inclusion or exclusion criteria. Eighty-five men and 33 women with a mean age of 41.6 years participated in this study. Median time since transplantation was 12 months. Mean (SD) dose of MMF reported at baseline was 1209.4 (422.89) mg/d. More than 50% of patients reported MMF-associated nausea, dyspepsia, and abdominal pain. After conversion to an equimolar dose of EC-MPS, patients showed improvement in GI symptoms. This benefit was predominantly observed in patients with moderate to severe symptoms at baseline. On the GSRS, patients reported a significant (P < .05) reduction in symptom burden across all parameters (reflux, 36%; diarrhea, 38%; indigestion, 36%; constipation, 28%; and abdominal pain, 40%). On the GIQLI also, significant (P < .05) improvement was reported (symptoms, 18%; emotional status, 22%; physical functioning, 21%, and use of medical treatment, 18%). On the OTE scale, 84.7% of patients reported improvement in GI symptoms. Conclusion. Inpatients with moderate to severe GI symptoms, changing treatment from MMF to EC-MPS significantly reduces GI-related symptom burden and improves GI-specific quality of life.