Background: Despite recent progresses in renal transplantation, acute rejection during the first year is the most common cause of kidney loss. Recently, Mycophenolate Mofetil (MMF) was used as an effective agent. We have compared the effects of Mycophenolate Mofetil and Azathioperine (AZA) in prevention of acute rejection of renal transplantation in patients referring to Hashemi Nejad hospital in 1997-2000.

Materials and Methods: 60 patients had entered this clinical trial and divided in two groups. One received MMF (2 g/d) as well cyclosporine A and prednisone and the other received AZA+cyclosporine A+prednisone. Groups were matched according to the times of transplantation, underlying disease and other confounding factors. Patients were followed up for 6 months regarding the acute rejection, hematological. GI, liver and infectious complications.

Results: MMF group included 16 females and 14 males with the mean (±SD) age of 37±12 years, however AZA group included 17 females and 13 males with the mean age of 35±11 years. Acute rejection was reported in 10% and 27% of MMF and AZA groups, respectively (P<0.09). Creatinine was reported 1.3±0.4 and 1.3±0.3 mg/dl, respectively (NS). Leukopenia was found in 20% and 23% of patients, respectively, however, thrombocytopenia was reported in 3.3% and 6.7%. Elevated liver enzymes were noted in 26.7% and 30%, respectively. Icter was found in 2 patients of the AZA group. GI bleeding was noted in one patient who received MMF that was recovered after the drug cessation. Cytomegalovirus was shown in 2 patients of the AZA group.

Conclusion: Results have revealed that MMF could effectively decrease the acute rejection of renal transplantation side effects were not significantly differed, however, further studies with greater sample size are required.