The frequency of rare and monogenic diseases in pediatric organ transplant recipients in Italy

Background

Rare diseases are chronic and life-threatening disorders affecting < 1 person every 2,000. For most of them, clinical symptoms and signs can be observed at birth or childhood. Approximately 80% of all rare diseases have a genetic background and most of them are monogenic conditions. In addition, while the majority of these diseases is still incurable, early diagnosis and specific treatment can improve patients’ quality of life. Transplantation is among the therapeutic options and represents the definitive treatment for end-stage organ failure, both in children and adults. The aim of this paper was to analyze, in a large cohort of Italian patients, the main rare genetic diseases that led to organ transplantation, specifically pointing the attention on the pediatric cohort.

Results

To the purpose of our analysis, we considered heart, lung, liver and kidney transplants included in the Transplant Registry (TR) of the Italian National Transplantation Center in the 2002–2019 timeframe. Overall, 49,404 recipients were enrolled in the cohort, 5.1% of whom in the pediatric age. For 40,909 (82.8%) transplant recipients, a disease diagnosis was available, of which 38,615 in the adult cohort, while 8,495 patients (17.2%) were undiagnosed. There were 128 disease categories, and of these, 117 were listed in the main rare disease databases. In the pediatric cohort, 2,294 (5.6%) patients had a disease diagnosis: of the 2,126 (92.7%) patients affected by a rare disease, 1,402 (61.1%) presented with a monogenic condition. As expected, the frequencies of pathologies leading to organ failure were different between the pediatric and the adult cohort. Moreover, the pediatric group was characterized, compared to the adult one, by an overall better survival of the graft at ten years after transplant, with the only exception of lung transplants. When comparing survival considering rare vs non-rare diseases or rare and monogenic vs rare non-monogenic conditions, no differences were highlighted for kidney and lung transplants, while rare diseases had a better survival in liver as opposed to heart transplants.

Conclusions

This work represents the first national survey analyzing the main genetic causes and frequencies of rare and/or monogenic diseases leading to organ failure and requiring transplantation both in adults and children.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13023-021-02013-x.

Long-Term Outcomes of Kidney Transplants from Older/Marginal Donors: A Cohort Study

INTRODUCTION

To safely expand the donor pool, we introduced a strategy of biopsy-guided selection and allocation to single or dual transplantation of kidneys from donors >60 years old or with hypertension, diabetes, and/or proteinuria (older/marginal donors). Here, we evaluated the long-term performance of this approach in everyday clinical practice.

METHODS

In this single-center cohort study, we compared outcomes of 98 patients who received one or two biopsy-evaluated grafts from older/marginal donors ("recipients") and 198 patients who received nonhistologically assessed single graft from ideal donors ("reference-recipients") from October 2004 to December 2015 at the Bergamo Transplant Center (Italy).

RESULTS

Older/marginal donors and their recipients were 27.9 and 19.3 years older than ideal donors and their reference-recipients, respectively. KDPI/KDRI and donor serum creatinine were higher and cold ischemia time longer in the recipient group. During a median follow-up of 51.9 (interquartile range 23.1-88.6) months, 11.2% of recipients died, 7.1% lost their graft, and 16.3% had biopsy-proven acute rejection (BPAR) versus 3.5, 7.6, and 17.7%, respectively, of reference-recipients. Overall death-censored graft failure (rate ratio 0.78 [95% CI 0.33-2.08]), 5-year death-censored graft survival (94.3% [87.8-100.0] vs. 94.2% [90.5-98.0]), BPAR incidence (rate ratio 0.87 [0.49-1.62]), and yearly measured glomerular filtration rate decline (1.18 ± 3.27 vs. 0.68 ± 2.42 mL/min/1.73 m2, p = 0.37) were similar between recipients and reference-recipients, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Biopsy-guided selection and allocation of kidneys from older/marginal donors can safely increase transplant activity in clinical practice without affecting long-term outcomes. This may help manage the growing gap between organ demand and supply without affecting long-term recipient and graft outcomes.

Mycophenolate mofetil versus azathioprine in kidney transplant recipients on steroid-free, low-dose cyclosporine immunosuppression (ATHENA): A pragmatic randomized trial

BACKGROUND

We compared protection of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and azathioprine (AZA) against acute cellular rejection (ACR) and chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN) in kidney transplant recipients on steroid-free, low-dose cyclosporine (CsA) microemulsion maintenance immunosuppression.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

ATHENA, a pragmatic, prospective, multicenter trial conducted by 6 Italian transplant centers, compared the outcomes of 233 consenting recipients of a first deceased donor kidney transplant induced with low-dose thymoglobulin and basiliximab and randomized to MMF (750 mg twice/day, n = 119) or AZA (75 to 125 mg/day, n = 114) added-on maintenance low-dose CsA microemulsion and 1-week steroid. In patients without acute clinical or subclinical rejections, CsA dose was progressively halved. Primary endpoint was biopsy-proven CAN. Analysis was by intention to treat. Participants were included between June 2007 and July 2012 and followed up to August 2016. Between-group donor and recipient characteristics, donor/recipient mismatches, and follow-up CsA blood levels were similar. During a median (interquartile range (IQR)) follow-up of 47.7 (44.2 to 48.9) months, 29 of 87 biopsied patients on MMF (33.3%) versus 31 of 88 on AZA (35.2%) developed CAN (hazard ratio (HR) [95% confidence interval (CI)]: 1.147 (0.691 to 1.904, p = 0.595). Twenty and 21 patients on MMF versus 34 and 14 on AZA had clinical [HR (95% CI): 0.58 (0.34 to 1.02); p = 0.057) or biopsy-proven subclinical [HR (95% CI): 1.49 (0.76 to 2.92); p = 0.249] ACR, respectively. Combined events [HR (95% CI): 0.85 (0.56 to 1.29); p = 0.438], patient and graft survival, delayed graft function (DGF), 3-year glomerular filtration rate (GFR) [53.8 (40.6;65.7) versus 49.8 (36.8;62.5) mL/min/1.73 m2, p = 0.50], and adverse events (AEs) were not significantly different between groups. Chronicity scores other than CAN predict long-term graft outcome. Study limitations include small sample size and unblinded design.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, we found that in deceased donor kidney transplant recipients on low-dose CsA and no steroids, MMF had no significant benefits over AZA. This finding suggests that AZA, due to its lower costs, could safely replace MMF in combination with minimized immunosuppression.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00494741; EUDRACT 2006-005604-14.

Preimplantation Histological Score Associates with 6-Month GFR in Recipients of Perfused, Older Kidney Grafts: Results from a Pilot Study

BACKGROUND

Biopsy-guided selection of older kidneys safely expands the organ pool, and pretransplant perfusion improves the preservation of these fragile organs. Herein, we studied morphofunctional variables associated with graft outcomes in perfused, histologically evaluated older kidneys.

METHODS

This single-center prospective cohort pilot study evaluated the relationships between preimplantation histologic scores and renal perfusion parameters during hypothermic, pulsatile, machine perfusion (MP) and assessed whether these morphofunctional parameters associated with GFR (iohexol plasma clearance) at 6 months after transplantation in 20 consecutive consenting recipients of a biopsy-guided single or dual kidney transplant from >60-year-old deceased donors.

RESULTS

The donor and recipient age was 70.4 ± 6.5 and 63.6 ± 7.9 years (p = 0.005), respectively. The kidney donor profile index (KDPI) was 93.3 ± 8.4% (>80% in 19 cases), histologic score 4.4 ± 1.4, and median (IQR) cold ischemia time 19.8 (17.8-22.8 h; >24 h in 5 cases). The 6-month GFR was 41.2 (34.9-55.7) mL/min. Vascular resistances positively correlated with global histologic score (p = 0.018) at MP start and then decreased from 0.88 ± 0.43 to 0.36 ± 0.13 mm Hg/mL/min (p < 0.001) in parallel with a three-fold renal flow increase from 24.0 ± 14.7 to 74.7 ± 31.8 mL/min (p < 0.001). Consistently, vascular resistance reductions positively correlated with global histologic score (p = 0.009, r = -0.429). Unlike KDPI or vascular resistances, histologic score was independently associated with 6-month GFR (beta standardized coefficient: -0.894, p = 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

MP safely improves graft perfusion, particularly in kidneys with severe histologic changes that would not be considered for transplantation because of high KDPI. The preimplantation histologic score associates with the functional recovery of older kidneys even in the context of a standardized program of pulsatile perfusion.

Kidney transplant tolerance associated with remote autologous mesenchymal stromal cell administration

Here we report the case of successful immune tolerance induction in a living‐donor kidney transplant recipient remotely treated with autologous bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC). This case report, which to the best of our knowledge is the first in the world in this setting, provides evidence that the modulation of the host immune system with MSC can enable the safe withdrawal of maintenance immunosuppressive drugs while preserving optimal long‐term kidney allograft function.

P4688Additional role of unmodifiable risk factors in pulmonary arterial hypertension risk stratification according to current ESC/ERS guidelines

Background

Current pulmonary hypertension (PH) guidelines stratify the risk of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) using a multiparametric approach. Anyway, the role of unmodifiable risk factors is not taken into account.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of unmodifiable risk factors (age, gender, PAH aetiology) in PAH risk stratification using the recently proposed simplified risk table and to test if these factors influence the response to PAH-specific treatment.

Methods

All patients with PAH referred to a single centre were included from 2003 to 2017. We applied a simplified risk assessment strategy using the following criteria: WHO functional class, 6-min walking distance, right atrial pressure or brain natriuretic peptide plasma levels and cardiac index (CI) or mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO2). The last 2 criteria were based on which parameter was available; if both were available the worst was chosen. Risk strata were defined as: Low risk= at least 3 low risk and no high-risk criteria; High risk= at least 2 high risk criteria including CI or SvO2; Intermediate risk= definitions of low or high risk not fulfilled. Then we performed multivariate Cox analysis to evaluate what are the independent predictors of survival (age, gender, PAH aetiology together with the recently proposed simplified PAH risk table) and we tested if these factors influence the response to PAH specific therapy comparing the % improvement of hemodynamic parameters from baseline to 3–4 months after starting treatment. Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test was used for comparisons.

Results

Six hundreds and twenty-one treatment-naïve patients were enrolled. Age [HR (95% CI) = 1.022 (1.014–1.030); p-value <0.001], male gender [HR (95% CI) = 1.881 (1.479–2.392); p-value <0.001] and connective tissue disease (CTD)-PAH aetiology [HR (95% CI)= 2.278 (1.733–2.995); p-value <0.001] were all independent predictors of prognosis in patients with PAH together with the recently validated simplified PAH risk table [HR (95% CI) = 2.161 (1.783–2.618); p-value <0.001] but they didn't significantly influence the response to PAH specific treatment as shown in the Figure.

Figure 1

Conclusions

Age, gender and CTD-PAH aetiology significantly influence prognosis together with the recently validated simplified PAH risk table but don't significantly influence the response to PAH-specific treatment.

Acknowledgement/Funding

None

P4676Experience of three years of balloon pulmonary angioplasty in a single centre: safety and short term results

Background

Balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) has recently been developed as an alternative and less-invasive treatment strategy for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) but therapeutic efficacy and technical safety of the technique have to be established.

Purpose

To examine the effects of BPA on patients with inoperable disease or residual pulmonary hypertension (PH) after pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA).

Methods

From June 2015 to January 2019 we enrolled symptomatic (WHO-FC ≥II) inoperable CTEPH patients and patients with residual PH after PEA. At baseline and after 3 months after last BPA session all patients underwent clinical evaluation, six-minute walking distance (6MWD) and right heart catheterization. For comparisons Friedman test (with Bonferroni post-hoc pairwise analysis) was used.

Results

Forty-one patients [male 49%, median age 65 (52–75) years, 34 inoperable and 7 with residual PH after PEA] were treated for a total of 111 sessions (median number of sessions for each patient: 2); during each session we treated 2 (2.0–2.5) vessels. Results are shown in the Table. Forty patients were treated with medical therapy before BPA (16 with combination therapy). Four pulmonary artery dissection and 2 haemoptysis with clinical impairment were documented during the procedures; 27 patients had lung injury (radiographic opacity with/without hemoptysis and/or hypoxemia), none had renal dysfunction, 6 patients had access site complications. Five patients died during follow-up (none within 30 days from the procedure) because of sepsis (1), heart failure (1), cancer (1), arrhythmic storm (1) and sudden death in a patients with severe coronary atherosclerosis (1).

Table 1 Median (interquartile range) Baseline Baseline ÷ Pre-BPA Pre-BPA Pre-BPA ÷ Post-BPA Post-BPA Global (n=41) 8 (3–49) months (n=41) 10 (6–18) months (n=32) p-value WHO-FC III-IV (%) 88 N.S. 83 <0.05 42 <0.001 6MWD (m) 430 (346–560) N.S. 425 (357–500) <0.05 450 (375–605) <0.001 RAP (mmHg) 6 (5–8) N.S. 6 (5–8) N.S. 6 (4–8) 0.023 mPAP (mmHg) 46 (40–52) <0.05 43 (33–50) <0.05 36 (28–41) <0.001 CI (l/min/m2) 2.6 (2.2–3.0) N.S. 2.7 (2.2–3.0) <0.05 3.1 (2.6–3.5) 0.004 PVR (WU) 7.5 (5.6–11.5) <0.05 6.5 (4.7–10.3) <0.05 4.1 (3.3–5.9) <0.001 PA O2 Sat (%) 69 (63–71) N.S. 69 (63–72) N.S. 69 (63–73) 0.002 CI, Cardiac Index; mPAP, mean Pulmonary Arterial Pressure; PVR, Pulmonary Vascular Resistance; PA O2 Sat, Pulmonary Artery Oxygen Saturation; RAP, Right Atrial Pressure; 6MWD, 6 Minute Walking Distance; WHO-FC, World Health Organization Functional Class.

Conclusions

BPA is a safe and effective treatment able to improve symptoms and hemodynamic profile in inoperable CTEPH patients and in patients with residual PH after PEA.

Acknowledgement/Funding

None

P4680Prognostic value of stroke volume index in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension at intermediate risk

Background

Current pulmonary hypertension (PH) guidelines stratify the risk of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) using a multiparametric approach. Low, intermediate and high-risk are defined by estimated 1-year mortality of <5%, 5–10% and >10%, respectively. This risk assessment has been recently validated in 3 cohorts of PAH patients and a simplified risk table for patients with idiopathic/heritable (I/H) PAH and PAH associated with connective tissue disease (CTD) and congenital heart disease (CHD) has been recently proposed and validated. However, with this method most of the patients are classified in the intermediate risk category and additional strategies are required to further stratify this group of PAH patients.

Purpose

To evaluate the prognostic value of SVI measured with right heart catheterization (RHC) in patients at intermediate-risk.

Methods

All treatment naïve patients with I/H-PAH, CTD-PAH and CHD-PAH referred to a single centre were included from 2003 to 2017. All patients were assessed at baseline and at the 1st follow-up at 3–4 months after starting PAH-specific therapy (1st F-UP) with RHC, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) plasma levels, 6-min walking distance (6MWD) and WHO functional class. We applied a simplified risk assessment strategy using the following criteria: WHO functional class, 6MWD, right atrial pressure or BNP plasma levels and cardiac index (CI) or mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO2). The last 2 criteria were based on which parameter was available; if both were available the worst was chosen. Risk strata were defined as: Low risk= at least 3 low risk and no high-risk criteria; High risk= at least 2 high risk criteria including CI or SvO2; Intermediate risk= definitions of low or high risk not fulfilled. The prognostic value of SVI was assessed using Cox regression analysis. Intermediate risk patients were further stratified in intermediate-low and intermediate-high risk taking into account the value of SVI that best discriminate prognosis (according to ROC curve analysis). Kaplan Meier curves and Log-rank test were used for survival analysis.

Results

Seven hundreds and twenty-five patients were enrolled. SVI is able to stratify the prognosis of PAH patients at 1st F-UP [HR 0.979 (0.964–0.994), p-value= 0.008] but not at baseline [HR 0.986 (0.970–1.002), p-value= 0.085]. The best predictive cut-off value is 38 ml/m2 (AUC= 0.66, sensitivity= 73%, specificity= 59%). Survival curves are shown in the Figure.

Figure 1

Conclusions

SVI assessed at 1st F-UP is predictive of prognosis and the cut off value of 38 ml/m2 is able to further stratify the survival of intermediate risk PAH patients.

Acknowledgement/Funding

None

Long-Term Clinical and Immunological Profile of Kidney Transplant Patients Given Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Immunotherapy

We report here the long-term clinical and immunological results of four living-donor kidney transplant patients given autologous bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) as part of a phase 1 study focused on the safety and feasibility of this cell therapy. According to study protocols implemented over time, based on initial early safety findings, the patients were given MSC at day 7 posttransplant (n = 2) or at day −1 pretransplant (n = 2) and received induction therapy with basiliximab and low-dose rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin (RATG) or RATG alone, and were maintained on low-dose ciclosporin (CsA)/mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). All MSC-treated patients had stable graft function during the 5- to 7-year follow-up, without increased susceptibility to infections or neoplasm. In three MSC recipients, but not historical control patients, circulating memory CD8⁺ T cell percentages remained lower than basal, coupled with persistent reduction of ex vivo donor-specific cytotoxicity. Two patients showed a long-lasting increase in the regulatory T cell/memory CD8⁺ T cell ratio, paralleled by high circulating levels of naïve and transitional B cells. In one of these two patients, CsA was successfully discontinued, and currently the low-dose MMF monotherapy is on the tapering phase. The study shows that MSC therapy is safe in the long term and could promote a pro-tolerogenic environment in selected patients. Extensive immunomonitoring of MSC-treated kidney transplant recipients could help selection of patients for safe withdrawal of maintenance immunosuppressive drugs (NCT00752479 and NCT02012153).

Liver transplantation for aHUS: still needed in the eculizumab era?

BACKGROUND

The risk of disease recurrence after a kidney transplant is high in patients with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) and mutations in the complement factor H (FH) gene (CFH). Since FH is mostly produced by the liver, a kidney transplant does not correct the genetic defect. The anti-C5 antibody eculizumab prevents post-transplant aHUS recurrence, but it does not cure the disease. Combined liver-kidney transplantation has been performed in few patients with CFH mutations based on the rationale that liver replacement provides a source of normal FH.

METHODS

We report the 9-year follow-up of a child with aHUS and a CFH mutation, including clinical data, extensive genetic characterization, and complement profile in the circulation and at endothelial level. The outcome of kidney and liver transplants performed separately 3 years apart are reported.

RESULTS

The patient showed incomplete response to plasma, with relapsing episodes, progression to end-stage renal disease, and endothelial-restricted complement dysregulation. Eculizumab prophylaxis post-kidney transplant did not achieve sustained remission, leaving the child at risk of disease recurrence. A liver graft given 3 years after the kidney transplant completely abrogated endothelial complement activation and allowed eculizumab withdrawal.

CONCLUSIONS

Liver transplant may definitely cure aHUS and represents an option for patients with suboptimal response to eculizumab.

Paricalcitol for secondary hyperparathyroidism in renal transplantation

Secondary hyperparathyroidism contributes to post-transplant CKD mineral and bone disorder. Paricalcitol, a selective vitamin D receptor activator, decreased serum parathyroid hormone levels and proteinuria in patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism. This single-center, prospective, randomized, crossover, open-label study compared the effect of 6-month treatment with paricalcitol (1 μg/d for 3 months and then uptitrated to 2 µg/d if tolerated) or nonparicalcitol therapy on serum parathyroid hormone levels (primary outcome), mineral metabolism, and proteinuria in 43 consenting recipients of renal transplants with secondary hyperparathyroidism. Participants were randomized 1:1 according to a computer-generated sequence. Compared with baseline, median (interquartile range) serum parathyroid hormone levels significantly declined on paricalcitol from 115.6 (94.8-152.0) to 63.3 (52.0-79.7) pg/ml (P<0.001) but not on nonparicalcitol therapy. At 6 months, levels significantly differed between treatments (P<0.001 by analysis of covariance). Serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin decreased on paricalcitol therapy only and significantly differed between treatments at 6 months (P<0.001 for all comparisons). At 6 months, urinary deoxypyridinoline-to-creatinine ratio and 24-hour proteinuria level decreased only on paricalcitol (P<0.05). L3 and L4 vertebral mineral bone density, assessed by dual-energy x-ray absorption, significantly improved with paricalcitol at 6 months (P<0.05 for both densities). Paricalcitol was well tolerated. Overall, 6-month paricalcitol supplementation reduced parathyroid hormone levels and proteinuria, attenuated bone remodeling and mineral loss, and reduced eGFR in renal transplant recipients with secondary hyperparathyroidism. Long-term studies are needed to monitor directly measured GFR, ensure that the bone remodeling and mineral effects are sustained, and determine if the reduction in proteinuria improves renal and cardiovascular outcomes.

Optimizing utilization of kidneys from deceased donors over 60 years: five-year outcomes after implementation of a combined clinical and histological allocation algorithm

This 5 year observational multicentre study conducted in the Nord Italian Transplant programme area evaluated outcomes in patients receiving kidneys from donors over 60 years allocated according to a combined clinical and histological algorithm. Low-risk donors 60-69 years without risk factors were allocated to single kidney transplant (LR-SKT) based on clinical criteria. Biopsy was performed in donors over 70 years or 60-69 years with risk factors, allocated to Single (HR-SKT) or Dual kidney transplant (HR-DKT) according to the severity of histological damage. Forty HR-DKTs, 41 HR-SKTs and 234 LR-SKTs were evaluated. Baseline differences generally reflected stratification and allocation criteria. Patient and graft (death censored) survival were 90% and 92% for HR-DKT, 85% and 89% for HR-SKT, 88% and 87% for LR-SKT. The algorithm appeared user-friendly in daily practice and was safe and efficient, as demonstrated by satisfactory outcomes in all groups at 5 years. Clinical criteria performed well in low-risk donors. The excellent outcomes observed in DKTs call for fine-tuning of cut-off scores for allocation to DKT or SKT in high-risk patients.

Mesenchymal stromal cells and kidney transplantation: pretransplant infusion protects from graft dysfunction while fostering immunoregulation

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) have emerged as useful cell population for immunomodulation therapy in transplantation. Moving this concept towards clinical application, however, should be critically assessed by a tailor-made step-wise approach. Here, we report results of the second step of the multistep MSC-based clinical protocol in kidney transplantation. We examined in two living-related kidney transplant recipients whether: (i) pre-transplant (DAY-1) infusion of autologous MSC protected from the development of acute graft dysfunction previously reported in patients given MSC post-transplant, (ii) avoiding basiliximab in the induction regimen improved the MSC-induced Treg expansion previously reported with therapy including this anti-CD25-antibody. In patient 3, MSC treatment was uneventful and graft function remained normal during 1 year follow-up. In patient 4, acute cellular rejection occurred 2 weeks post-transplant. Both patients had excellent graft function at the last observation. Circulating memory CD8(+) T cells and donor-specific CD8(+) T-cell cytolytic response were reduced in MSC-treated patients, not in transplant controls not given MSC. CD4(+) FoxP3(+) Treg expansion was comparable in MSC-treated patients with or without basiliximab induction. Thus, pre-transplant MSC no longer negatively affect kidney graft at least to the point of impairing graft function, and maintained MSC-immunomodulatory properties. Induction therapy without basiliximab does not offer any advantage on CD4(+) FoxP3(+) Treg expansion (ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT 00752479).

Incidence of primary and second cancers in renal transplant recipients: a multicenter cohort study

Limited data exist about cancer prognosis and the development of second cancers in renal transplant recipients. In a retrospective cohort study on 3537 patients incidence rates of the first and, if any, of a second cancer, and standardized incidence ratios [SIR (95% CI)] were computed. Two hundred and sixty-three (7.5%) patients developed a NMSC, and 253 (7.2%) another type of cancer after a median follow-up of 6.5 and 9.0 years, respectively. A statistically significant excess risk, if compared to an age- and sex-matched reference general population, was observed for Kaposi sarcoma and NMSC, followed by non-Hodgkin lymphoma and carcinoma of cervix uteri; a small number of unusual cancers such as tumors of the salivary glands, small intestine and thyroid also were detected at a level worthy of additional scrutiny. Ten-year survival rate of all noncutaneous cancers was 71.3%, with lower rates for lung carcinoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (0% and 41.7%, respectively). Patients with NMSC had an increased risk of developing a second NMSC [SIR 8.3 (7.0-10.0)], and patients with a primary noncutaneous cancer had increased risk of developing a second noncutaneous cancer [SIR 1.8 (1.2-2.8)], if compared to the whole cohort. Our study underscore that the high risk of primary and second cancer in renal transplant recipients, including unusual cancers.

Autologous mesenchymal stromal cells and kidney transplantation: a pilot study of safety and clinical feasibility

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) abrogate alloimmune response in vitro, suggesting a novel cell-based approach in transplantation. Moving this concept toward clinical application in organ transplantation should be critically assessed.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS & MEASUREMENTS

A safety and clinical feasibility study (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT00752479) of autologous MSC infusion was conducted in two recipients of kidneys from living-related donors. Patients were given T cell-depleting induction therapy and maintenance immunosuppression with cyclosporine and mycophenolate mofetil. On day 7 posttransplant, MSCs were administered intravenously. Clinical and immunomonitoring of MSC-treated patients was performed up to day 360 postsurgery.

RESULTS

Serum creatinine levels increased 7 to 14 days after cell infusion in both MSC-treated patients. A graft biopsy in patient 2 excluded acute graft rejection, but showed a focal inflammatory infiltrate, mostly granulocytes. In patient 1 protocol biopsy at 1-year posttransplant showed a normal graft. Both MSC-treated patients are in good health with stable graft function. A progressive increase of the percentage of CD4+CD25highFoxP3+CD127- Treg and a marked inhibition of memory CD45RO+RA-CD8+ T cell expansion were observed posttransplant. Patient T cells showed a profound reduction of CD8+ T cell activity.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings from this study in the two patients show that MSC infusion in kidney transplant recipients is feasible, allows enlargement of Treg in the peripheral blood, and controls memory CD8+ T cell function. Future clinical trials with MSCs to look with the greatest care for unwanted side effects is advised.

Incidence and clinical predictors of a subsequent nonmelanoma skin cancer in solid organ transplant recipients with a first nonmelanoma skin cancer: a multicenter cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To compare the long-term risk of primary nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) and the risk of subsequent NMSC in kidney and heart transplant recipients.

DESIGN

Partially retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Two Italian transplantation centers.

PATIENTS

The study included 1934 patients: 1476 renal transplant recipients and 458 heart transplant recipients.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Cumulative incidences and risk factors of the first and subsequent NMSCs.

RESULTS

Two hundred patients developed a first NMSC after a median follow-up of 6.8 years after transplantation. The 3-year risk of the primary NMSC was 2.1%. Of the 200 patients with a primary NMSC, 91 (45.5%) had a second NMSC after a median follow-up after the first NMSC of 1.4 years (range, 3 months to 10 years). The 3-year risk of a second NMSC was 32.2%, and it was 49 times higher than that in patients with no previous NMSC. In a Cox proportional hazards regression model, age older than 50 years at the time of transplantation and male sex were significantly related to the first NMSC. Occurrence of the subsequent NMSC was not related to any risk factor considered, including sex, age at transplantation, type of transplanted organ, type of immunosuppressive therapy, histologic type of the first NMSC, and time since diagnosis of the first NMSC. Histologic type of the first NMSC strongly predicted the type of the subsequent NMSC.

CONCLUSIONS

Development of a first NMSC confers a high risk of a subsequent NMSC in transplant recipients. Intensive long-term dermatologic follow-up of these patients is advisable.

Incidence and clinical predictors of primary opportunistic deep cutaneous mycoses in solid organ transplant recipients: a multicenter cohort study

BACKGROUND

Primary opportunistic deep cutaneous fungal infections may cause significant morbidity and mortality in solid organ transplant recipients (OTR), but no data exist about their incidence, timing, and clinical predictors in a long-term follow-up.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A series of 3293 consecutive OTR including 1991 kidney, 929 heart, and 373 liver transplant recipients were enrolled. Patients were regularly followed up since time at transplantation (mean 5.5 yr +/-5.9 SD) and primary opportunistic fungal infections registered. Persons-year at risk (PYs), incidence rates (IR), incidence rate ratios (IRR), and 95% confidence intervals were computed.

RESULTS

Twenty-two cases of deep cutaneous mycoses were detected, (IR 1.2 cases per 1000 PYs) after a mean follow-up time since transplantation of 2.5 yr +/- 2.0 SD (median 1.8 yr). Six patients had subsequent systemic involvement and three patients died of systemic dissemination. A higher risk for mycoses was observed in the first two yr after transplantation, (IRR 35.9, p < 0.0001), in renal transplant recipients (IRR 5.1 p = 0.030), and in patients transplanted after the age of 50 (IRR 11.5 p = 0.020).

CONCLUSIONS

Primary deep cutaneous opportunistic mycoses in OTR occur mainly in the first two yr after transplantation, in renal transplant recipients, and in older patients.

ABCB1 genotypes predict cyclosporine-related adverse events and kidney allograft outcome

Cyclosporine A (CsA) is a substrate of P-glycoprotein, an efflux transporter encoded by the ABCB1 gene. Compared with carriers of the wild-type gene, carriers of T allelic variants in exons 21 or 26 have reduced P-glycoprotein activity and, secondarily, increased intracellular concentration of CsA; therefore, carriers of T variants might be at increased risk for CsA-related adverse events. We evaluated the associations between ABCB1 genotypes (in exons 12, 21, and 26) and CsA-related outcomes in 147 renal transplant recipients who were receiving CsA-based immunosuppression and were included in the Mycophenolate Steroids Sparing study. During a median of 65.5 mo follow-up, carriers of T allelic variants in exons 21 or 26 had a three-fold risk for delayed graft function (DGF), a trend to slower recovery of renal function and lower GFR at study end, and significantly higher incidences of new-onset diabetes and cytomegalovirus reactivation compared with carriers of the wild-type genotype. T variants in both exons 21 and 26 were independently associated with 3.8- and 3.5-fold higher risk for DGF, respectively (P = 0.022 and P = 0.034). The incidence of acute rejection and the mean CsA dose and blood levels were comparable in genotype groups. In conclusion, renal transplant recipients with T allelic variants in ABCB1 exons 21 or 26 are at increased risk for CsA-related adverse events. Genetic evaluation may help to identify patients at risk and to modulate CsA therapy to optimize graft and patient outcomes.

C-440T/T-331C polymorphisms in the UGT1A9 gene affect the pharmacokinetics of mycophenolic acid in kidney transplantation

INTRODUCTION

The immunosuppressive agent mycophenolic acid (MPA) is metabolized by uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase 1A9 (UGT1A9) to 7-O-glucuronide (MPAG) and excreted by multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 in the bile. By contrast, the production of the acyl MPAG, a minor MPA metabolite, was ascribed to UGT2B7 and UGT1A8. Several polymorphisms in the genes encoding for UGT1A9, UGT2B7 and MRP2 proteins have been described. However, their functional role in vivo on MPA metabolism remains poorly defined.

METHODS

A total of 40 Caucasian kidney transplant patients, given induction therapies (with Campath-(1)H or the combination basiliximab/rabbit antithymocyte globulin) and on maintenance immunosuppression with cyclosporine in combination with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in a steroid-free regimen, were enrolled in the pharmacogenetic study. Patients had clinical and hematochemical evaluations at month 6 after transplantation, as well as complete MPA pharmacokinetic assessment. They were genotyped for SNPs in UGT1A9 C-2152T, T-1887G, C-665T, C-440T, T-331C, T-275A, T98C, for the nonsynonymous C802T SNP in UGT2B7, and for ABCC2 SNPs C-24T and G1249A. The association of these polymorphisms with MPA pharmacokinetic parameters was investigated.

RESULTS

Differences in the MPA pharmacokinetic profiles confirmed large interpatient variability of MPA exposure, with AUC(0-12) values ranging from 7.9 to 50.1 mg*h/ml. MPA AUC(0-12) was significantly associated with the presence of UGT1A9 -440/-331 genotypes (TT/CC: 61.5 +/- 2.7 mg*h/ml/g MMF; TC/CT: 45.4 +/- 14.0 mg*h/ml/g MMF; CC/TT: 40.8 +/- 10.8 mg*h/ml/g MMF; p = 0.005), whereas MPAG exposure was mainly influenced by renal function. The positive association between MPA AUC and SNPs in position -440/-331 found in kidney transplant patients confirmed previous in vitro findings showing that the abovementioned SNPs had a significant impact on UGT1A9 protein content in the liver. The presence of ABCC2 promoter C-24T and exon 10 G1249A SNPs did not cause any significant variation in MPA and MPAG pharmacokinetic parameters.

CONCLUSION

The study demonstrated a significant impact of C-440T/T-331C SNPs in the promoter region of the UGT1A9 gene on MPA pharmacokinetics in renal allograft recipients.

Pheohyphomycotic soft tissue disease caused by Alternaria alternata in a kidney transplant patient: a case report and literature review

A 61-year-old Italian man, who underwent a renal transplantation 8 years ago, receiving azathioprine, prednisone, and cyclosporine for immunosuppressive therapy, presented with a large reddish indurated plaque with a central ulcer, which was slowly enlarged, on the right knee. From the diseased tissue biopsy, a dematiaceous fungus matching Alternaria alternata in all essential characters was isolated in pure culture. This is an uncommon fungal complication in a kidney transplant patient. A detailed morphological description of the isolate is provided as well as review of the literature.

Phaeoacremonium parasiticum subcutaneous infection in a kidney-transplanted patient successfully treated by surgery

Human infection caused by Phaeoacremonium parasiticum is increasingly being reported. However, only a few case reports show its role as a soil-related contaminant of kidney recipients. We report here a case of a subcutaneous infection by P. parasiticum in a transplanted man. After 4 years, he reported a nonpainful nodule on his forefinger. It was surgically excised. Histological examination revealed dense fibrous connective tissue showing an extensive granulomatous reaction, including the presence of a wooden sliver, and hyaline, branched, and septate hyphae. Six months later, the patient relapsed and underwent large excision. Culture was positive for P. parasiticum. No antifungal drug was administered. Surgical excision was successful.

Mycophenolate mofetil versus azathioprine for prevention of chronic allograft dysfunction in renal transplantation: the MYSS follow-up randomized, controlled clinical trial

The Mycophenolate Steroids Sparing (MYSS) study found that in renal transplant recipients who were on immunosuppressive therapy with the cyclosporine microemulsion Neoral, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) was not better than azathioprine in preventing acute rejection at 21 mo after transplantation and was 15 times more expensive. The MYSS Follow-up Study, an extension of MYSS, was aimed at comparing long-term outcome of 248 MYSS patients according to their original randomization to MMF (1 g twice daily) or azathioprine (75 to 100 mg/d). Primary outcome was estimated GFR at 5 yr after transplantation. Mean 5-yr GFR difference between azathioprine and mycophenolate was 4.67 ml/min per 1.73 m(2) (95% confidence interval [CI] -0.43 to 9.77 ml/min per 1.73 m(2); P = 0.07). GFR from month 6 (mean +/- SEM: 54.3 +/- 1.6 versus 53.9 +/- 1.5 ml/min per 1.73 m(2); P = 0.83) to month 72 after transplantation (49.5 +/- 2.2 versus 47.3 +/- 2.4 ml/min per 1.73 m(2); P = 0.50); GFR slopes (mean +/- SEM: -1.10 +/- 0.56 versus -1.23 +/- 0.31 ml/min per 1.73 m(2) per year; P = 0.83); and 72-mo patient mortality (4.0 versus 4.0% [P = 0.95]; HR 0.96; 95% CI 0.28 to 3.31; P = 0.95), graft loss (6.8 versus 6.1% [P = 0.82]; HR 0.89; 95% CI 0.32 to 2.46; P = 0.83), incidence of persistent proteinuria (25.0 versus 27.4%; P = 0.72), late (>6 mo after transplantation) rejections (25.3 versus 21.2%; P = 0.53), and adverse events were similar on azathioprine (n = 124) and MMF (n = 124), respectively. Outcomes in the two groups were comparable also among patients with or without steroid therapy, considered separately. In kidney transplantation, the long-term risk/benefit profile of MMF and azathioprine therapy in combination with cyclosporine Neoral is similar. In view of the cost, standard immunosuppression regimens for kidney transplantation should perhaps include azathioprine rather than MMF.

Regulatory T cells and T cell depletion: role of immunosuppressive drugs

Allogeneic immune responses are modulated by a subset of host T cells with regulatory function (Treg) contained within the CD4(+)CD25(high) subset. Evidence exists that Treg expand after peritransplantation lymphopenia, inhibit graft rejection, and induce and maintain tolerance. Little, however, is known about the role of Treg in the clinical setting. IL-2 and activation by T cell receptor engagement are instrumental to generate and maintain Treg, but the influence of immunosuppressants on Treg homeostasis in humans in vivo has not been investigated. This study monitored Treg phenotype and function during immune reconstitution in renal transplant recipients who underwent profound T cell depletion with Campath-1H and received sirolimus or cyclosporine (CsA) as part of their maintenance immunosuppressive therapy. CD4(+)CD25(high) cells that expressed FOXP3 underwent homeostatic peripheral expansion during immune reconstitution, more intense in patients who received sirolimus than in those who were given CsA. T cells that were isolated from peripheral blood long term after transplantation were hyporesponsive to alloantigens in both groups. In sirolimus- but not CsA-treated patients, hyporesponsiveness was reversed by Treg depletion. T cells from CsA-treated patients were anergic. Thus, lymphopenia and calcineurin-dependent signaling seem to be primary mediators of CD4(+)CD25(high) Treg expansion in renal transplant patients. These findings will be instrumental in developing "tolerance permissive" immunosuppressive regimens in the clinical setting.

Mycophenolic Acid Formulation Affects Cyclosporine Pharmacokinetics in Stable Kidney Transplant Recipients

A novel monitoring strategy based on the blood concentration at two hours post-dose (C2) has been recently proposed for the assessment of cyclosporine (CsA) absorption and daily exposure, and therapeutic windows for C2 levels have been identified. These guidelines have been derived from patients given mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) or azathioprine, and never tested in those treated with the enteric-coated formulation of mycophenolic acid (EC-MPS). The authors have compared full CsA pharmacokinetic evaluations in 12 kidney transplant recipients given EC-MPS with those from 20 patients on MMF at months 6, 12, 18 and 24 postsurgery. At month 6 postsurgery, patients on EC-MPS had a shift to the right in the CsA peak concentration as compared to that in patients given MMF, an effect associated with significant differences in CsA Tmax (1.9 +/- 0.3 h vs. 1.5 +/- 0.6 h, P < 0.05), C2 (988 +/- 259 vs. 720 +/- 214 ng/mL, P < 0.01), and C3 levels (539 +/- 119 vs. 435 +/- 119 ng/mL, P < 0.05). Interestingly, the authors found that the majority of patients on EC-MPS had CsA peaking at 2-h postdosing, whereas most of patients on MMF had CsA Cmax at 1 h. Similar results were observed also at months 12, 18, and 24 postsurgery. These findings indicate that the pharmacokinetics of CsA is significantly affected by the concomitant administration of different MPA formulations. This would imply the need of specific algorithms to adequately estimate CsA dose adjustment in patients given, in addition to CsA, EC-MPS or MMF.

Incidence and clinical predictors of Kaposi's sarcoma among 1721 Italian solid organ transplant recipients: a multicenter study

Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) can be a complication of solid organ transplantation, but with an important incidence rate variability in different geographical areas. Here we analyzed the incidence rate, timing and clinical correlates of KS, in a cohort of Italian solid organ transplant recipients from four distinct transplantation centers. A total of 1721 renal, heart and liver transplant recipients were recruited between 1997 and 2004. KS was diagnosed in 40 patients, after a median follow up of 1 year (range 0.8-5.1). Visceral involvement was detected in 7/40 patients. Incidence rate of KS in the whole population was 2.3 cases per 1000 individuals per year. The standardized incidence rate (SIR) for KS in renal transplant recipients was 149.9 (95% CI 103.0-212.0), with the excess risk greater among women (SIR 316.0) than among men (SIR 133.6). In a Cox proportional hazard regression model, age at transplantation equal or older than 30 years and only combined immunosuppressive therapy with mycophenolate mofetil + cyclosporine + prednisolone were independently associated with KS. Italian organ transplant recipients have an increased risk (about 100 times greater) for KS compared to the general population, especially during the first two years after transplantation. Age older than 30 years at transplantation and a more aggressive immunosuppressive regimen were both independent risk factors for the disease.

Scedosporium apiospermum Soft-Tissue Infection: A Case Report and Review of Kidney Transplant Literature

Scedosporium apiospermum is an environmental mould. Human infections caused by this organism have been observed; however, only a few case reports show its role as a telluric contaminant to kidney recipients. We have reported here a case of a dramatic soft tissue infection by S. apiospermum in a kidney-transplanted man. Surgical drainage together with voriconazole systemic therapy was successful.

Incidence of Second Primary Cancer in Transplanted Patients

BACKGROUND

Solid organ transplanted patients have a three- to fourfold higher lifetime risk of developing a cancer than the general population. However, the incidence of a second primary cancer in transplanted patients has never been studied, despite the fact that the presence of regular follow-ups and the increased survival of these patients make them a very attractive model.

METHODS

We investigated the incidence of a second primary cancer (SPC) in 7,636 patients who underwent a kidney, liver, lung or heart transplant between 1970 and 2004, and were followed-up for 51,819 person-years.

RESULTS

During the follow-up, 499 subjects developed a first cancer (annual incidence: 98.6 x 10,000 PY), and 22 of them developed a SPC (annual incidence: 3.9 x 10,000 PY). The annual incidence of a SPC in the transplanted patients who developed a first cancer was 107.8 x 10,000 PY, giving a standardized incidence ratio of 1.1 (95% CI: 0.83-1.41).

CONCLUSIONS

This result shows that the incidence of the SPC was the same as the incidence of a first cancer. Our study does not indicate an increased risk of SPC in transplanted subjects who already suffered a first malignancy.

Basiliximab combined with low-dose rabbit anti-human thymocyte globulin: a possible further step toward effective and minimally toxic T cell-targeted therapy in kidney transplantation

In high-risk kidney transplant recipients, induction therapy with rabbit anti-human thymocyte globulin (RATG) reduces the risk for acute rejection but is associated with significant toxicity, opportunistic infections, and cancer. Using reduced doses of RATG combined with anti-IL-2 antibodies may achieve the same antirejection activity of standard-dose RATG but with a better safety profile. This randomized, open-label study compared the efficacy, tolerability, and costs of low-dose RATG (0.5 mg/kg per d) plus basiliximab (20 mg 4 d apart) versus standard-dose RATG (2 mg/kg per d) in 33 consecutive high-risk renal transplant recipients (living-related transplant recipients, sensitized patients or patients who received another transplant, and patients with delayed graft function) over 6 mo of follow-up. All patients received concomitant therapy with steroids, cyclosporin A, and azathioprine or mycophenolate mofetil. Seventeen patients received low-dose RATG plus basiliximab, and 16 received standard-dose RATG. Patient (100 versus 100%) and graft (94 versus 100%) survival were comparable in the two groups, but the incidence of fever (17.6 versus 56.5%; P = 0.01), leukopenia (23.5 versus 56.3%; P < 0.05), anemia (29.4 versus 62.5%; P < 0.05), cytomegalovirus reactivations (17.6 versus 56.5%; P = 0.01), the number of transfused units (0.5 +/- 0.9 versus 2.0 +/- 2.4; P < 0.001), and treatment costs (3652 +/- 704 versus 5400 +/- 1960 euro; P = 0.001) were lower with low-dose RATG plus basiliximab than with standard-dose RATG. There was one episode of biopsy-proven acute rejection on low-dose RATG plus basiliximab, and there were two on standard-dose RATG. In renal transplantation, induction therapy with basiliximab plus low-dose RATG effectively prevents acute rejection and is safer and more cost-effective than induction with standard-dose RATG.

Kidney transplantation from anti-HBc+ donors: results from a retrospective Italian study

BACKGROUND

The risk of transmitting a hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection from donor kidneys with a past HBV serological profile may be negligible. Data on HBV transmission to kidney transplant recipients from donor organs that were anti-HBc/HBsAg in Italy has not been previously reported. Anti-HBc testing in cadaver organ donors has been mandatory in Italy since 2002, when anti-HBc determinations were included in the National Guidelines for donor evaluation. Therefore, prior to that date kidney recipients from anti-HBc/HBsAg donors can be identified retrospectively where stored serum is available for testing.

METHODS

The prevalence of anti-HBc Italian organ donors, the incidence of HBV transmission according to the recipients' HBV status (vaccinated, recovered, or naive), and the clinical impact (5-year graft and patient survival rates) in the North Italy Transplant program was evaluated by retrospectively screening for anti-HBc antibodies in the sera of cadaver kidney donors used in transplants from 1997 to 1999.

RESULTS

Two hundred and ten donors were found to have been anti-HBc. At the time of the study, no active infection was observed in any of the 344 HBsAg recipients, but 4/140 (2.86%) of the vaccinated recipients were found to have been anti-HBc/HBsAg. None of these patients, however, had any biochemical or clinical history of HBV infection. Patient and graft survival rates of anti-HBc or anti-HBc kidney recipients did not differ statistically.

CONCLUSION

Kidney grafts from anti-HBc donors should be considered in all recipients because the benefit obtained from the transplantation out weighs the negligible risk of HBV transmission.

Influence of co-medication with sirolimus or cyclosporine on mycophenolic acid pharmacokinetics in kidney transplantation

The pharmacokinetics of mycophenolic acid (MPA)--the active metabolite of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF)--is significantly influenced by co-medications. The impact of sirolimus on daily MPA exposure, however, has not been investigated so far. As a part of the study aimed at investigating the efficacy of Campath-1H induction therapy in a steroid-free regimen in kidney transplantation, MPA plasma levels were serially measured in 21 patients treated with low-dose sirolimus (SRL) or low-dose CsA both in addition to low-dose MMF over 12 months post-operatively. Full pharmacokinetic profiles were compared at month 6 and 12 post-surgery. Mean dose-adjusted MPA trough levels were 4.4-fold higher in patients on combined SRL and MMF than in those given CsA and MMF. Pharmacokinetic studies demonstrated that mean MPA C(max) and T(max) were comparable in the two groups, while mean MPA AUC(0-12) was higher in SRL than CsA treated patients. The pharmacokinetic profile of SRL- but not of CsA-group showed a second peak consistent with the enterohepatic recirculation of MPA. These findings suggest that SRL and CsA have different effects on MPA metabolism and/or excretion eventually affecting its immunosuppressive property and/or toxicity. CsA, but not SRL, inhibits MPA enterohepatic recirculation, reducing MPA daily exposure.

Cyclosporine Formulation and Kaposi’s Sarcoma after Renal Transplantation

BACKGROUND

Transplantation enhances the risk of malignancies, due to the chronic use of antirejection medication. In the case of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) the permissive effect of immunosuppression has been extensively studied, and cyclosporine (CsA) appears to play a key role. Here we have compared the incidence of KS in transplant patients receiving Neoral or Sandimmune as a part of their immunosuppressive therapy.

METHODS

In all, 668 kidney transplant recipient followed at our Nephrology Unit from 1970 to 2003 entered this retrospective analysis; 300 were on CsA Sandimmune-based and 308 on CsA Neoral-based therapy. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of KS.

RESULTS

KS was diagnosed in 20 out of 608 patients given CsA with an incidence rate of 4.7 per 1000 patients per year. No episodes of KS was found in the preCsA era. Among patients on CsA, those treated with Neoral had fourfold higher incidence rate of KS than in the Sandimmune group (10.7 vs. 2.3 per 1000 patients per year). Kaplan-Meier analysis shows that patients on Neoral had lower cumulative KS-free probability than those on Sandimmune. Cox's analysis documented that Neoral was a positive predictor of KS development as compared to Sandimmune (hazard ratio: 2.237). Among patients on Neoral, those who developed KS had higher daily exposure to the drug assessed by pharmacokinetic studies.

CONCLUSIONS

In recipients of kidney transplant CsA Neoral increases the risk of KS as compared to the Sandimmune formulation, possibly due to enhanced drug bioavailability and ultimately patients daily CsA exposure.