Tacrolimus-based, steroid-free regimens in renal transplantation: 3-year follow-up of the ATLAS trial.

BACKGROUND: Long-term use of corticosteroids is associated with considerable morbidity, including cardiovascular and metabolic adverse effects. METHODS: This study evaluated the long-term efficacy and safety of two steroid-free regimens compared with a triple immunosuppressive therapy in renal transplant recipients. This was a 3-year follow-up to a 6-month, open-label, randomized, multicenter study. RESULTS: Data from 3 years were available for 421 (93.3%) of 451 patients in the original intent-to-treat population (143 tacrolimus/basiliximab [Tac/Bas], 139 tacrolimus/mycophenolate mofetil [Tac/MMF], and 139 tacrolimus/MMF/steroids [triple therapy]). In the time interval from 6 months to 3 years after transplantation, the incidence of biopsy-proven acute rejection was low and similar (Tac/Bas, 2.1%; Tac/MMF, 2.2%; triple therapy, 2.2%); Most rejection episodes occurred during the first 6 months of the study. Graft survival was high (Kaplan-Meier estimates: 92.7%, 92.5%, and 92.5%), as was patient survival (93.1%, 96.4%, and 97.0%). There were 10 graft losses (n=2, 4, and 4) and 12 patient deaths (n=5, 2, and 5). Renal function was well preserved throughout the study and similar between groups. There was a trend toward improved cardiovascular risk factors in the Tac/Bas group, including reduced total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and lower new-onset insulin use. There were no between-group differences in the incidence or type of adverse events. CONCLUSION: Higher rates of acute rejection early in treatment were seen with the steroid-free regimens, but this did not translate into poorer long-term outcomes, such as graft and patient survival and renal function. A trend for a more favorable cardiovascular risk profile was observed for steroid-free immunosuppression with Tac/Bas.

Everolimus-based, calcineurin-inhibitor-free regimen in recipients of de-novo kidney transplants: an open-label, randomised, controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Non-nephrotoxic immunosuppressive strategies that allow reduction of calcineurin-inhibitor exposure without compromising safety or efficacy remain a goal in kidney transplantation. Immunosuppression based on the mammalian-target-of-rapamycin inhibitor everolimus was assessed as a strategy for elimination of calcineurin-inhibitor exposure and optimisation of renal-graft function while maintaining efficacy. METHODS: In the ZEUS multicentre, open-label study, 503 patients (aged 18-65 years) who had received de-novo kidney transplants were enrolled. After initial treatment with ciclosporin, based on trough concentrations, and enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium (1440 mg/day, orally), corticosteroids (≥5 mg/day prednisolone or equivalent, orally), and basiliximab induction (20 mg, intravenously, on day 0 [2 h before transplantation], and on day 4), 300 (60%) patients were randomly assigned at 4·5 months in a 1:1 ratio to undergo calcineurin-inhibitor elimination (everolimus-based regimen that was based on trough concentrations [6-10 ng/mL] and enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium [1440 mg/day] with corticosteroids), or continue standard ciclosporin-based treatment. Randomisation was done by use of a central, validated system that automated the random assignment of treatment groups to randomisation numbers. The primary objective was to show better renal function (glomerular filtration rate [GFR]; Nankivell formula) with the calcineurin-inhibitor-free everolimus regimen at 12 months after transplantation. Analysis was by intention to treat. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00154310. FINDINGS: 118 (76%) of 155 everolimus-treated patients and 117 (81%) of 145 ciclosporin-treated patients completed treatment with study drug up to 12 months after transplantation. At this timepoint, the everolimus regimen was associated with a significant improvement in GFR versus the ciclosporin regimen (71·8 mL/min per 1·73 m(2) vs 61·9 mL/min per 1·73 m(2), respectively; mean difference 9·8 mL/min per 1·73 m(2), 95% CI -12·2 to -7·5). Rates of biopsy-proven acute rejection were higher in the everolimus group than in the ciclosporin group after randomisation (15 [10%] of 154 vs five [3%] of 146; p = 0·036), but similar for the full study period (23 [15%] vs 22 [15%]). Compared with the ciclosporin regimen, higher mean lipid concentrations, slightly increased urinary protein excretion, and lower haemoglobin concentrations were noted with the everolimus regimen; thrombocytopenia, aphthous stomatitis, and diarrhoea also occurred more often in the everolimus group. A higher incidence of hyperuricaemia was noted with ciclosporin. INTERPRETATION: Early elimination of calcineurin inhibitor by use of everolimus-based immunosuppression improved renal function at 12 months while maintaining efficacy and safety, indicating that this strategy may facilitate improved long-term outcomes in selected patients. FUNDING: Novartis Pharma.

Tacrolimus combined with two different corticosteroid-free regimens compared with a standard triple regimen in renal transplantation: one year observational results.

Side effects of steroid use have led to efforts to minimize their use in transplantation. Two corticosteroid-free regimens were compared with a triple immunosuppressive therapy. Data from the original intent-to-treat (ITT) population (153 tacrolimus/basiliximab [Tac/Bas], 151 tacrolimus/MMF [Tac/MMF], and 147 tacrolimus/MMF/steroids [control]) were analyzed in a 12-month follow-up. Percentage of graft survival were 92.8%, 95.4%, and 95.9% (KM estimates 89.9%, 95.3%, 95.9%), percentage of surviving patients were 98.7%, 98.0%, and 100% (KM estimates 95.9%, 92.8%, and 100%). During months 7-12, graft loss occurred in 3 Tac/Bas, 2 Tac/MMF, and zero control patients, patient deaths in 1 Tac/Bas, 2 Tac/MMF, and zero control, and biopsy-proven acute rejection episodes in 4 Tac/Bas, 3 Tac/MMF, and zero control. Mean serum creatinine at month 12 was 141.9 +/- 69.6 microM, 144.0 +/- 82.1 microM, and 134.5 +/- 71.2 microM (ns). New-onset insulin use in previously non-diabetic patients at month 12 was 1/138, 6/127, and 4/126. Patient and graft survival as well as renal function at 12 months were not different between patient groups, despite considerably higher rates of acute rejection occurring within the first six months after transplantation in both steroid-free patient groups. Tac/Bas therapy might offer benefits in terms of a trend for a more favorable cardiovascular risk profile.

Isoagglutinin titre adsorption: breaking the barrier in major AB0-incompatible organ transplantation.

Blood group AB0-incompatible live donor (LD) renal transplantation may provide a significant source of organs. AB0-incompatible LD renal transplantation can be accomplished using specific anti-A/B antibody (Ab) immunoadsorption (IA) and anti-CD20 monoclonal Ab (Rituximab) treatment. One dose of anti-CD20 mAb (rituximab, 375 mg/m(2)) is given for weeks pre-operatively. Recipients are pre-treated with 3-5 sessions of immunoadsorption, using A or B carbohydrate antigen specific columns, until their anti-A1/B RBC panel indirect antiglobulin test (IAT) titres are <8. Polyclonal immunoglobulins are applied four days before transplantation. Recipients receive preoperative mycophenolic acid, steroids/tacrolimus therapy. No splenectomy was performed. Postoperative IA is applied if RBC panel indirect antiglobulin test (IAT) titres are >8. Postoperative renal biopsies may yield positive C4d staining in peritubular capillaries as sign of humoral immune activation but the clinical course is favourable if IAT titres can be kept below 8 within the first weeks after transplantation. This protocol has excellent short-term and long-term graft survival as well as function although recipient anti-A/B titres after transplantation return to pre-surgical levels within months after transplantation.

Efficacy and safety of enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium in renal transplant patients with diabetes mellitus: post hoc analyses from three clinical trials.

To examine the efficacy and safety of enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium (EC-MPS, myfortic) in renal transplant patients with diabetes mellitus, six- and 12-month data from three clinical trials with EC-MPS (Studies B301, B302, and myPROMS) were analyzed post hoc. Studies B301 (de novo patients) and B302 (maintenance patients) followed a randomized double-blind design whereas myPROMS was an open-label study in de novo and maintenance renal transplant patients in which all patients received EC-MPS as part of their immunosuppressive regimen. In studies B301 and B302, diabetic patients were compared against mycophenolate mofetil (MMF, CellCept), the reference drug. For myPROMS, data from diabetic and non-diabetic patients were compared. In total, 246 diabetic patients receiving EC-MPS were analyzed. In study B301, the efficacy failure rate [biopsy-proven acute rejection (BPAR), graft loss, death or loss to follow-up] in diabetics at 12 months was 17.6% (EC-MPS) vs. 26.2% (MMF), and of BPAR alone 14.7% vs. 19.0% (both n.s.). In de novo patients from myPROMS, the treatment failure rate was similar in diabetic (20.3%) and non-diabetic patients (27.1%), as was the incidence of BPAR (17.7% vs. 23.1%, both n.s.). The overall incidence, severity and pattern of AEs were comparable between EC-MPS and MMF in de novo patients. This was supported by the safety results assessed in maintenance patients (B302) indicating no increased safety risk with the use of EC-MPS in the diabetic patient population, if compared with MMF. Likewise, apart from a higher incidence of severe/serious infections in diabetics, the safety profile of EC-MPS was not different to non-diabetics in myPROMS. In conclusion, preliminary data suggest that EC-MPS in combination with cyclosporine (+/- steroids) can be used efficiently and safely for the prophylaxis of organ rejection in diabetic renal transplant patients. Moreover, diabetic patients can apparently be safely converted from MMF to EC-MPS. More data from prospective studies are needed to fully judge the efficacy and safety profile of EC-MPS in the diabetic transplant population.

The impact of living-related kidney transplantation on the donor's life.

BACKGROUND: Living-donation kidney transplantation (LDKT) is increasingly performed for treatment of chronic renal failure. Recently, risks for the donor and problems in decision-making have been stressed. This study was conducted to illuminate the decision making-process and consequences of LDKT on family life, the financial and occupational situation. Moreover, quality of life (QOL) and mental distress were explored. METHODS: All German residents at Essen University, who donated their kidney between 1999 and 2003, were included in the study. Donors filled out the questionnaire of the European Multicenter Study of Transplantation Using Living Donors, the Short Form 36-Health Survey, and the Brief Symptom Inventory. RESULTS: Out of a total of 65 donors, 47 replied (72%) at an average 2.5 years postdonation. No fatalities occurred in the whole sample (n=65), medical complications were experienced by 28%. Most donors decided voluntarily (94%) and spontaneously (66%) to donate, after donation 96% stated that they would decide in the same way again. QOL was within the norm. On the other hand, 10% experienced family conflicts, every eighth donor suffered from clinically relevant distress, financial disadvantages were experienced by every fourth donor, with 25% not answering this question. CONCLUSION: Seen from the donor's perspective, LDKT is a relatively safe procedure. However, increased rates of donors with mental distress and intra-familial conflicts emphasize the need for a careful selection process. Regular postdonation psychosocial screening and provision of specific interventions to those in need are recommended. Donors should not suffer from financial and occupational disadvantages resulting from donation.

OKT3 therapy in addition to tacrolimus is associated with improved long-term function in patients with steroid refractory renal allograft rejection.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate long-term allograft salvage rates of patients with steroid refractory allograft rejection after kidney transplantation and to identify factors indicating a successful outcome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty patients with continuing rejection after high-dose steroids were included in the study. Baseline immunosuppression was switched from cyclosporine to tacrolimus in all patients. Twenty patients additionally received OKT3 as antirejection therapy. Patients having received a cadaveric renal transplant in 1995, excluding patients with steroid resistant rejection, were chosen as a control cohort. RESULTS: Patient survival rates were 96% (n = 48) and 90% (n = 45) and allograft survival rates were 66% (n = 33) and 62% (n = 31) after 5 and 7 years following steroid refractory renal allograft rejection. Graft survival within the control cohort was 73% after 5 years and 69% after 7 years. Creatinine clearance increased from 20 +/- 15 ml/min/1.73 m2 at the start of tacrolimus therapy to 37 +/- 29 ml/min/1.73 m2 and to 32 +/- 26 ml/min/1.73 m2 after 5 and 7 years. OKT3 treatment predicted successful rescue therapy (p = 0.005 and p = 0.04 after 5 and 7 years). CONCLUSION: Our data indicate a reasonable graft survival in steroid refractory renal allograft rejection using tacrolimus. OKT3 treatment in addition to tacrolimus therapy may be beneficial for long-term allograft survival.

Differential tissue distribution of the Invs gene product inversin.

Nephronophthisis is a common genetic cause of end-stage renal disease in childhood. Recently, Invs was identified as the gene mutated in the infantile form of nephronophthisis. Humans with nephronophthisis develop a large number of extrarenal manifestations, including situs variations, anomalies of the hepatobiliary system, retinal degeneration and cerebellar ataxia. Mice homozygous for a mutation in the Invs gene (inv mouse) die during the first week after birth as a result of renal and liver failure. Although organ anomalies have been characterized in human nephronophthisis and the inv mouse, little is known about the tissue expression of the Invs gene product, inversin. We have used laser confocal microscopy of paraffin-embedded murine tissue sections to provide the first detailed characterization of the distribution of inversin in various organs. Our results show that inversin is localized to distal tubules in the kidney, hepatic bile ducts, acinar and ductal pancreatic cells, epithelial intestinal cells, splenic germinal centres, bronchiolar epithelial cells, dendrites of cerebellar Purkinje cells, retinal neural cells and spermatocytes and spermatids in the testis. The localization of inversin in distal tubules in the kidney and in extrarenal tissues suggests that the expression of this protein has an important function in a variety of organs. Further studies are required to understand the way in which mutations in the Invs gene lead to the multi-organ pathology of inv mouse and human nephronophthisis.

Digital fluorescence imaging of organic cation transport in freshly isolated rat proximal tubules.

The secretion of cationic drugs and endogenous metabolites is a major function of the kidney. This is accomplished by organic cation transport systems, mainly located in the proximal tubules. Here, we describe a model for continuous measurement of organic cation (OC) transport. In this model, organic cation transport in individual freshly isolated rat proximal tubules is investigated by use of digital fluorescence imaging. To directly measure organic cation transport across the basolateral membrane, the fluorescent organic cation 4-(4-dimethylaminostyryl)-N-methylpyridinium (ASP+) is used with a customized perfusion chamber. ASP+ uptake in this model displayed the characteristics of organic cation transport. Over the tested range of 1 to 50 microM, it showed a concentration-dependent uptake across the basolateral membrane. In the presence of competitive inhibitors of OC transport such as N1-methylnicotinamide+, tetraethylammonium+, and choline+, a concentration-dependent and reversible inhibition of ASP+ uptake could be documented. In conclusion, continuous measurement of organic cation transport in freshly isolated rat proximal tubules by digital fluorescence imaging using ASP+ is a useful tool for investigation of drug transport and interactions and, furthermore, may be helpful for investigation of organic cation transport under pathophysiological conditions.

Free androgen index is superior to total testosterone for short-term assessment of the gonadal axis after renal transplantation.

OBJECTIVE: Recent studies have assessed gonadal function in association with different immunosuppressive drugs in transplanted patients mainly relying on the measurement of total testosterone. It is the aim of this study to assess the short-term changes of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis following renal transplantation using the free androgen index (FAI). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The sequential changes in total testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), gonadotropin and prolactin concentrations were measured in 22 male patients before and after 1-3 days, and 1, 2 and 3 weeks following renal transplantation. RESULTS: Total testosterone and SHBG concentrations dropped significantly after transplantation (total testosterone: baseline: 15.2 +/- 1.6 nmol/l vs. 1 week: 7.9 +/- 0.8 nmol/l vs. 2 weeks: 9.8 +/- 0.9 nmol/l, SHBG: baseline: 29.9 +/- 3.2 nmol/l vs. 1 week: 19.9 +/- 2.1 nmol/l, 2 weeks: 18.9 +/- 2.4 nmol/l, p < 0.01). FAI decreased significantly after day 1-3 returning to values near baseline thereafter (baseline: 60 +/- 9% vs. day 1-3: 38 +/- 6%, 2 weeks: 61 +/- 7%; p < 0.01). There was a significant positive correlation between FAI and renal function. CONCLUSION: Measurement of the free androgen index is superior to total testosterone for assessment of the pituitary-gonadal axis in the first weeks after renal transplantation.

Evaluation of the effect of candesartan cilexetil on the steady-state pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus in renal transplant patients.

BACKGROUND: Candesartan cilexetil is a possible treatment for hypertension in renal allograft recipients. Tacrolimus is widely used as an immunosuppressant following renal transplantation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of multiple doses of candesartan cilexetil on the steady-state pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus. METHODS: Twelve patients received oral doses of tacrolimus twice daily for 12 days from study day -2 until day 10, single oral doses of candesartan cilexetil placebo on study days -2 to -1, single oral doses of 2 mg candesartan cilexetil once daily on study days 1 to 3, oral doses of 4 mg candesartan cilexetil once daily on study days 4 to 6, and oral doses of 16 mg candesartan cilexetil once daily on study days 7 to 9. Serial blood samples were collected on days -1, 6 and 9 and were analysed for tacrolimus using microparticle enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS: Mean C(max,ss) and AUC(tau,ss) values for tacrolimus on day 6 (4 mg candesartan) and day 9 (16 mg candesartan cilexetil) were similar to those on day -1 (tacrolimus alone). Renal function did not change under treatment with candesartan cilexetil compared with baseline. The co-administration of multiple oral doses of cardesartan cilexetil with oral doses of tacrolimus was well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: Concomitant administration of multiple doses of candesartan cilexetil does not alter the steady-state pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus.

Rosiglitazone is a safe and effective treatment option of new-onset diabetes mellitus after renal transplantation.

The purpose of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of the insulin sensitizer rosiglitazone in patients with new-onset diabetes mellitus (NODM) after renal transplantation. Twenty-two patients with NODM after renal transplantation were selected to receive rosiglitazone therapy. All patients received prednisone, 15 patients were treated with tacrolimus and seven patients received cyclosporine A. For 16 of the 22 patients treatment with rosiglitazone therapy was successful and mean fasting blood glucose decreased from 182 +/- 17 to 127 +/- 7 mg/dl. Six patients were not treated successfully with rosiglitazone alone, one patient needed a second oral antidiabetic agent and four patients insulin therapy. In one patient rosiglitazone was stopped because of edema after 5 days. There were no changes either in serum creatinine concentrations, or cyclosporine and tacrolimus blood levels respectively. Treatment with rosiglitazone appears to be safe and effective in patients with NODM after renal transplantation.

Early detection of acute renal failure by serum cystatin C.

BACKGROUND: Acute renal failure (ARF) is associated with high mortality. Presently, no specific therapy for ARF exists. Therefore, early detection of ARF is critical to prevent its progression. However, serum creatinine, the standard marker to detect ARF, demonstrates major limitations. We prospectively evaluated whether serum cystatin C detected ARF earlier than serum creatinine. METHODS: In 85 patients at high risk to develop ARF, serum creatinine and cystatin C were determined daily. ARF was defined according to the Risk of renal dysfunction, Injury to the kidney, Failure of kidney function, Loss of kidney function, and ESRD (RIFLE) classification when creatinine increased by >/=50% (R-criteria), by >/=100% (I-criteria), or by >/=200% (F-criteria). In analogy, ARF was detected when cystatin C increased by >/=50%, by >/=100%, or by >/=200%. RESULTS: Forty-four patients developed ARF and 41 served as controls. In ARF by R-, I-, and F-criteria, the increase of cystatin C significantly preceded that of creatinine. Specifically, serum cystatin C increased already by >/=50% 1.5 +/- 0.6 days earlier compared to creatinine. Serum cystatin C demonstrated a high diagnostic value to detect ARF as indicated by area under the curve of the ROC analysis of 0.82 and 0.97 on the two days before the R-criteria was fulfilled by creatinine. Cystatin C detected ARF according to the R-criteria with a sensitivity of 55% and 82% on these days, respectively. Cystatin C also performed excellently, detecting ARF defined by the I- and F-criteria two days prior to creatinine, and moderately well predicting renal replacement therapy in the further course of ARF. Additionally, low T(3)- or T(3)/T(4) syndrome, glucocorticoid deficiency and excess did not affect cystatin C levels, adding to its usefulness in critically ill patients with ARF. CONCLUSION: Serum cystatin C is a useful detection marker of ARF, and may detect ARF one to two days earlier than creatinine.

Prognostic value of tubular proteinuria and enzymuria in nonoliguric acute tubular necrosis.

BACKGROUND: Acute tubular necrosis (ATN) has high mortality, especially in patients who require renal replacement therapy (RRT). We prospectively studied the diagnostic accuracy of the urinary excretion of low-molecular-weight proteins and enzymes as predictors of a need for RRT in ATN. METHODS: In 73 consecutive patients with initially nonoliguric ATN, we measured urinary excretion of alpha(1)- and beta(2)-microglobulin, cystatin C, retinol-binding protein, alpha-glutathione S-transferase, gamma-glutamyltransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, and N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase early in the course of ATN. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients (36%) required RRT a median of 4 (interquartile range, 2-6) days after detection of proteinuria and enzymuria. Patients who required RRT had higher urinary cystatin C and alpha(1)-microglobulin [median (interquartile range), 1.7 (1.2-4.1) and 34.5 (26.6-45.1) g/mol of creatinine] than patients who did not require RRT [0.1 (0.02-0.5) and 8.0 (5.0-17.5) g/mol of creatinine]. Urinary excretion of cystatin C and alpha(1)-microglobulin had the highest diagnostic accuracies in identifying patients requiring RRT as indicated by the largest areas under the ROC curves: 0.92 (95% confidence interval, 0.86-0.96) and 0.86 (0.78-0.92), respectively. Sensitivity and specificity were 92% (95% confidence interval, 83-96%) and 83% (73-90%), respectively, for urinary cystatin C >1 g/mol of creatinine, and 88% (78-93%) and 81% (70-88%) for urinary alpha(1)-microglobulin >20 g/mol of creatinine. CONCLUSION: In nonoliguric ATN, increased urinary excretion of cystatin C and alpha(1)-microglobulin may predict an unfavorable outcome, as reflected by the requirement for RRT.

Effect of quercetin on hypoxic injury in freshly isolated rat proximal tubules.

The bioflavonoid quercetin, which has antioxidant properties, protects renal tubular epithelial cells from oxidant-induced injury by inhibiting lipid peroxidation. We examined the effect of quercetin on hypoxia-induced injury in freshly isolated rat renal proximal tubules. Hypoxia induced rapid loss of cellular ATP, followed by functional and structural alterations measured as a decrease in tubular potassium content and sequentially by an increase in lactate dehydrogenase release. Furthermore, hypoxia increased lipid peroxidation, measured as thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances. Quercetin significantly inhibited hypoxia-induced functional and structural tubular injury in addition to lipid peroxidation but did not alter hypoxia-induced ATP depletion. These results demonstrate the potency of the bioflavonoid quercetin in protecting proximal tubules from hypoxic injury, which is independent of tubular energy metabolism and may be related to the inhibition of lipid peroxidation.

ATP protects, by way of receptor-mediated mechanisms, against hypoxia-induced injury in renal proximal tubules.

We examined the effect of ATP on hypoxia-induced injury in freshly isolated rat renal proximal tubules and compared it with the effects of stable ATP analogues and ATP degradation products. Extracellular ATP significantly reduced hypoxia-induced structural cell damage (lactate dehydrogenase release). P(2)-receptor agonistic ATP analogues, including 2'-methylthio-ATP (2-Me-S-ATP), were also protective. In contrast, the P(1)-agonistic degradation products AMP and adenosine were not protective. Hypoxia-induced functional cell damage (loss of cellular potassium) was not changed by ATP or 2-Me-S-ATP. We therefore conclude that the protective property of ATP is not based on an effect of the degradation products or on a direct effect on cellular energy metabolism. The data indicate that the protective effect of ATP is mediated by P(2) receptors.