Efficacy and Safety of Finerenone in Kidney Transplant Patients.

Background

Finerenone has emerged as a promising nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), yet its safety and efficacy in kidney transplant recipients remain unstudied.

Methods

A total of 1750 kidney transplant recipients were screened, and 39 were prescribed finerenone alongside angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers. Fifteen patients who met inclusion criteria and used finerenone consistently for at least six months were compared with 15 matched controls. Proteinuria, renal function, serum potassium, and other laboratory and clinical parameters were assessed at baseline and at 1, 3, and 6 months.

Results

Finerenone was discontinued in two patients (5.1%) due to flushing and headache. Severe hyperkalemia occurred in four patients (10.2%). In the finerenone group, proteinuria significantly decreased at all time points (p < 0.05), with a 40% reduction at six months. No significant changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate or serum creatinine were observed.

Conclusions

Finerenone is a promising adjunct therapy in kidney transplant patients for reducing proteinuria without impairing renal function for those patients who can tolerate it. However, in the early phase of treatment initiation, patients should be closely monitored for adverse effects including hyperkalemia.