A randomised, prospective study on the conversion from cyclosporine-prednisone to cyclosporine-azathioprine at 6 months after renal transplantation.
In a randomised prospective trial, we studied the effects of replacement of prednisone (Pred) by azathioprine (Aza), 6 months after transplantation, in stable renal allograft recipients on cyclosporine and prednisone (CsA + Pred). Out of 83 patients, 42 started treatment with CsA + Aza and 41 continued therapy with CsA + Pred. CsA was dosed to achieve a level of 150 ng/ml, the Aza dose was 3 mg/kg per day and the Pred dose was 0.15 mg/kg per day. Eighteen months after randomisation, in the CsA + Aza group 18 of the 42 patients were effectively treated with CsA + Aza. In the main, anaemia, leuco- and thrombocytopenia, and hypocorticism necessitated the reintroduction of Pred in the remaining 24 patients. Compared to the continuation of CsA + Pred, conversion of Pred to Aza resulted in a reduced number of antihypertensive drugs needed, and in lower serum total, LDL and HDL cholesterol levels; the incidence of acute rejections and graft losses was no different. In conclusion, conversion of CsA + Pred to CsA + Aza is a safe option in renal transplant patients with contraindications to long-term corticosteroid treatment.
de Sévaux
R G
RG
Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Nijmegen, The Netherlands. R.deSevaux@nefro.azn.nl
Hilbrands
L B
LB
Tiggeler
R G
RG
Koene
R A
RA
Hoitsma
A J
AJ
D000328:Adult; D001379:Azathioprine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016572:Cyclosporine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016030:Kidney Transplantation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011241:Prednisone / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors
D005938:Glucocorticoids; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D016572:Cyclosporine; D001379:Azathioprine; D011241:Prednisone