Results of a randomized, prospective, multicenter trial of mycophenolate mofetil versus azathioprine in the prevention of acute lung allograft rejection.
BACKGROUND
Although the use of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) has reduced the incidence of acute rejection in heart and kidney allograft recipients, its role in lung transplantation remains controversial. Therefore, we conducted a randomized, prospective, open-label, multicenter study in lung transplant recipients to determine whether MMF decreases episodes of acute allograft rejection when compared with azathioprine (AZA).


METHODS
Between March of 1997 and January of 1999, 81 consecutive lung transplant recipients from two centers were prospectively randomized to receive cyclosporine, corticosteroids, and either 2 mg/kg per day of AZA or 1 g twice daily of MMF. The primary study endpoint was biopsy-proven acute allograft rejection over the first 6 months posttransplant. Secondary endpoints included clinical rejection, cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, adverse events, and survival. Surveillance bronchoscopies were performed at 1, 3, and 6 months, or if clinically indicated. Pathologists interpreting the biopsy results were blinded to the randomization. Results were analyzed according to intention-to-treat. Between group comparisons of means and proportions were made by using two sample t tests and Fisher's exact tests, respectively. Six-month survival was calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method and compared by the log rank test.


RESULTS
Thirty-eight patients were prospectively randomized to receive AZA, and 43 MMF. The incidence of biopsy proven grade II or greater acute allograft rejection at 6 months was 58% in the AZA group and 63% in the MMF group (P=0.82). The 6-month survival rates in the MMF and AZA groups were 86% and 82%, respectively (P=0.57). Rates of CMV infection and adverse events were not significantly different between the two groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Acute rejection rates and overall survival at 6 months are similar in lung transplant recipients treated with either MMF- or AZA-based immunosuppression.
Palmer
S M
SM
Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
Baz
M A
MA
Sanders
L
L
Miralles
A P
AP
Lawrence
C M
CM
Rea
J B
JB
Zander
D S
DS
Edwards
L J
LJ
Staples
E D
ED
Tapson
V F
VF
Davis
R D
RD
D000208:Acute Disease; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001379:Azathioprine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016040:Lung Transplantation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009173:Mycophenolic Acid / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016019:Survival Analysis; D014184:Transplantation, Homologous
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D009173:Mycophenolic Acid; D001379:Azathioprine