American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam (ABS QE) Practice Test

Mycophenolate mofetil is particularly useful in treating which conditions?

1. Acute infections and HIV

2. Transplants and lupus nephritis

3. Diabetes and hypertension

4. Allergic reactions and asthma

The correct answer is: Transplants and lupus nephritis

Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is an immunosuppressive medication that plays a critical role in the management of various autoimmune diseases and in preventing organ transplant rejection. Its primary mechanism involves inhibiting lymphocyte proliferation and thereby reducing the immune response. In the context of transplants, MMF is used to prevent acute rejection in recipients of organ transplants, such as kidney transplants. It is often a part of a combination therapy that includes other immunosuppressants to enhance efficacy and reduce the risk of rejection while minimizing side effects. For lupus nephritis, which is a common renal manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), MMF is valuable for its ability to control inflammation and renal damage. Clinical studies have shown that MMF can be as effective as corticosteroids and has a favorable side-effect profile. The other options presented involve conditions that are either not primarily treated with immunosuppressants or are outside the therapeutic scope of mycophenolate mofetil. For example, treating acute infections typically involves antibiotics rather than immunosuppressants, while diabetes and hypertension are managed with different classes of medications focused on metabolic and cardiovascular regulation. Allergic reactions and asthma primarily require antihistamines and bronchodil