Sirolimus-based calcineurin inhibitor withdrawal immunosuppressive regimen in kidney transplantation: a single center experience

Background/aim This observational study was conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the conversion from calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) to sirolimus (SRL)-based immunosuppressive therapy in kidney transplantation. Materials and methods Sixty-four kidney recipients of mean age 38.3 ± 14.6 years were converted to SRL. The main reasons for conversion were elective in 45 (70.3%) and biopsy-proven chronic allograft nephropathy in 11 (17.2%). The primary CNI used was cyclosporine A in 51 patients. Mean time to conversion was 50.5 months. After conversion, 61 patients received mycophenolate mofetil. We evaluated the impact of conversion on renal function for 5 years post-conversion. The overall mean follow-up time was 72.8 months. Results The analysis showed significant improvement in renal function at month 3 post-conversion ( P