Role of tacrolimus in return of hand function after brachial plexus injury in a lung transplantation patient

Abstract

We report a patient who has been on tacrolimus for bilateral lung transplantation and presented with a brachial plexus injury (BPI), with unusual improvement of lower trunk innervated hand function. The lower trunk injury with resultant left hand paralysis had developed after his sternotomy 18 months ago. He has been treated with tacrolimus as part of his immunosuppression protocol since the surgery, without severe side effects. Physical examination at 18 months demonstrated unusual excellent grip pattern and full opposition of his thumb with slight claw deformity of his ulnar two digits. While the neurotoxic effects of tacrolimus are more emphasised, the neuroregenerative properties have been recently explored. The recovery in this patient is unique and unusual after BPI and is most likely as a result of the low dose tacrolimus treatment.