Long-term Outcome of Conversion to Sirolimus Monotherapy After Liver Transplant

Abstract

Objectives: This study sought to assess the long-term efficacy and safety of conversion from a calcineurin inhibitor-based immunosuppressive regimen to sirolimus monotherapy in liver transplant recipients with renal dysfunction.

Materials and Methods: Twenty-five liver transplant recipients with calcineurin inhibitor-based immunosuppression were included in this single-center, prospective study. Indications were renal dysfunction, avoidance of tumor recurrence, combination renal dysfunction and avoidance of tumor recurrence, and calcineurin inhibitor-related adverse effects.

Results: Mean interval between liver transplant and initiation of sirolimus monotherapy was 51.7 months. The mean follow-up was 75.6 months. The mean ± SD sirolimus whole-blood trough level was 9.0 ± 2.8 ng/mL after 6 months and 6.0 ± 1.8 ng/mL after 18 months. No rejection episode occurred. There was an improvement of the mean creatinine level: 156.1 ± 54.9 µmol/L before conversion versus 129.1 ± 34.7 µmol/L approximately 3 years after conversion (P < .05). The glomerular filtration rate, measured by technetium Tc-99m-diethylenetriamine penta acetic aerosol scintigraphy, improved from 27.4 ± 6.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 before conversion to 43.3 ± 6.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 at final follow-up. Proteinuria increased after conversion to sirolimus after 6 months (P < .05) and at last follow-up. The systolic blood pressure decreased from 151.5 ± 20.2 to 132.1 ± 19.4 mm Hg, and the diastolic from 89.7 ± 11.2 to 82.1 ± 9.1 mm Hg at last follow-up. Serum cholesterol and serum triglyceride levels were nearly unchanged. However, 50% of the patients were treated with lipid-lowering agents. Four patients had sirolimus-induced adverse effects (thrombocytopenia, gingival hyperplasia, oral ulceration).

Conclusions: Conversion from calcineurin inhibitors to sirolimus monotherapy after liver transplant results in stabilization of renal function in 75% to 85% of cases and of blood pressure, without increased risk of rejection. The spectrum of adverse effects is low.