Episode 71: Transplant medications with Olivia Philippart

In this episode of Critical Care Scenarios, Brandon Odo and Brian Bolling are joined by Olivia Philippart, a transplant clinical pharmacist, to discuss immunosuppression drugs and their implications in critical care, particularly for transplant patients. The discussion covers common immunosuppressive regimens like calcineurin inhibitors (Tacrolimus and Cyclosporine), anti-proliferatives (Mycophenolate Mofetil), and glucocorticoids, highlighting their mechanisms and management considerations in the ICU. They address how transplant patients differ in their susceptibility to infections, the importance of considering the time since transplant, and the potential need to adjust or hold immunosuppressants during infections or organ dysfunction. The podcast also delves into the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic considerations of these drugs, including drug interactions, monitoring strategies, and routes of administration, providing practical advice for clinicians managing transplant patients in non-transplant centers.