Efficacy of sirolimus compared with azathioprine for reduction of acute renal allograft rejection: A randomised multicentre study

Barry D. Kahan, Steven Steinberg, Stephen Bartlett, Robert Mendez, Samuel Weinstein, Marc Lorber, A. Osama Gaber, Khalid Butt, John Dunn, Alan Leichtman, Rodney Taylor, Gabriel Danovitch, Paul Gores, Mark Pescovitz, Stephen Tomlanovich, John Scandling, Francis Wright, John Neylan, E. Steve Woodle, J. Andrew BertolatusJorge Velosa, David Conti, Kenneth Brayman, Robert Fisher, Duane Wombolt, Patricia Adams, Sharon Inokuchi, David Van Buren, Ralph Fairchild, Arthur Matas, Francisco Badosa, Anthony Monaco, Raymond Pollak, Stuart Myers, Robert Ettenger, David Laskow, Terry B. Strom, Joshua Miller

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873 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Acute rejection episodes after renal transplantation are an important clinical challenge, despite use of multidrug immunosuppressive regimens. We did a prospective, multicentre, randomised, double-blind trial to investigate the impact of the addition of sirolimus, compared with azathioprine, to a ciclosporin and prednisone regimen. Methods: 719 recipients of primary HLA-mismatched cadaveric or living-donor renal allografts who displayed initial graft function were randomly assigned. after transplantation, sirolimus 2 mg daily (n = 284) or 5 mg daily (n = 274), or azathioprine (n = 161). We assessed the primary composite endpoint of efficacy failure, occurrence of biopsy-confirmed acute rejection episodes, graft loss, or death, and various secondary endpoints that characterise these episodes at 6 months and 12 months. Analyses were done by intention to treat. Findings: The rate of efficacy failure at 6 months was lower in the two sirolimus groups (2 mg 18.7%, p = 0.002; 5 mg 16.8%, p < 0.001) than in the azathioprine group (32.3%). The frequency of biopsy-confirmed acute rejection episodes was also lower (2 mg 16.9%, p = 0.002; 5 mg 12.0%. p < 0.001; azathioprine 29.8%). At 12 months, survival was similar in all groups for grafts (97.2%, 96.0%, and 98.1%) and patients (94.7%, 92.7%, and 93.8%). Patients on sirolimus showed a delay in the time to first acute rejection episode and decreased frequency of moderate and severe histological grades of rejection episodes and related antibody treatment, compared with the azathioprine group. Rates of infection and malignant disorders were similar in all groups. Interpretation: Use of sirolimus reduced occurrence and severity of biopsy-confirmed acute rejection episodes with no increase in complications. Further studies are needed to establish the optimum doses for the combined regimen.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)194-202
Number of pages9
JournalLancet
Volume356
Issue number9225
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 15 2000

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