Alterations in renal function in psoriasis patients treated with cyclosporine, 5 mg/kg/day.
BACKGROUND
Cyclosporine has been used to treat a variety of cutaneous and immune-mediated diseases. Nephrotoxicity is the most common major adverse side effect.


OBJECTIVE
The study was designed to investigate the frequency of alterations in serum creatinine in patients with psoriasis receiving 5 mg/kg/day of cyclosporine.


METHODS
Sixteen patients with severe refractory psoriasis received cyclosporine, 5 mg/kg/day, for 12 weeks. Serum creatinine was evaluated with respect to each patient's baseline.


RESULTS
Serum creatinine levels remained in the normal range, but 10 of 16 patients had a 30% elevation and 5 of 16 patients had a 50% elevation of serum creatinine compared with the patient's baseline value.


CONCLUSIONS
These results indicate that a significant elevation in serum creatinine occurs in many patients who receive cyclosporine for psoriasis.
Margolis
D J
DJ
Department of Dermatology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.
Guzzo
C
C
Johnson
J
J
Lazarus
G S
GS
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003404:Creatinine / Q000097:blood; D016572:Cyclosporine / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000150:complications; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*
D016572:Cyclosporine; D003404:Creatinine