Avoidance of calcineurin inhibitors with use of proliferation signal inhibitors in de novo heart transplantation with renal failure.

BACKGROUND

This study describes our experience with proliferation signal inhibitors in de novo heart transplant recipients with significant renal impairment. To circumvent further nephrotoxicity, calcineurin inhibitors were avoided in the peri-operative period.

METHODS

Immunosuppression in 20 patients was with a proliferation signal inhibitor (sirolimus, 14; everolimus, 6), an anti-mitotic drug, and corticosteroids from the time of transplantation. Induction was used in 9 patients (45%). All patients had preoperative significant renal dysfunction (mean glomerular filtration rate <30 ml/min/1.73 m(2)), and 4 patients required dialysis.

RESULTS

Post-operatively, the glomerular filtration rate significantly increased (>65 ml/min/1.73 m(2) at Month 1, remaining stable thereafter). No patients required dialysis after the first month of transplantation. Mean follow-up was 500 days. Rejection episodes occurred in 11 patients (55%), and 4 patients died (2 of rejection, although 1 death occurred 48 days after conversion to conventional treatment with tacrolimus). Half of the patients were eventually converted to conventional calcineurin-inhibitor therapy because of proliferation signal inhibitor adverse events.

CONCLUSION

Although this immunosuppressive approach was associated with a somewhat high rate of rejection and frequent side effects, it represents an attractive alternative in the complicated peri-operative setting of patients with significant renal impairment. This approach could serve as a temporary bridge to a conventional treatment.