The influence of immunosuppressants on the fertility of males who undergo renal transplantation and on the immune function of their offspring

AimTo investigate the influence of immunosuppressants on the fertility of males who undergo renal transplantation as well as on the immune function of their offspring.MethodsA survey was performed on the fertility of 164 male renal transplant recipients who underwent a long-term treatment with cyclosporine A (CsA), azathioprine (Aza) and prednisone (Pred). The immune function of the recipients' children was also surveyed.ResultsThe 164 renal transplant recipients produced successful impregnation 15–204 (54.48 ± 27.48) months after transplantation, resulting in the births of 167 children (three recipients fathered two children each), including 85 boys and 82 girls. Seven infants (4.2%) were premature. The weight of newborn infants was 2000–4600 (3274 ± 395) g. Among the 167 children, 18 children were prone to respiratory tract infection. Examination of serum immunoglobulin from the children aged 1–3 years revealed that the IgA level was slightly lower than the normal reference range, but the difference was not significant (P > 0.05). The IgM level of the children aged 7–12 years was higher than the normal reference range (P < 0.01). Other immune indexes did not exhibit significant changes (P > 0.05).ConclusionA long-term treatment with small-dose immunosuppressants has no obvious effect on the fertility of males who undergo renal transplantation. However, whether immunosuppressants influence the immune function of the offspring of such transplant recipients remains to be clarified by long-term follow up and prospective studies.