Improved Cardiovascular Risk Profile and Renal Function in Renal Transplant Patients after Randomized Conversion from Cyclosporine to Tacrolimus

ABSTRACT. Cyclosporine is considered to contribute to the high cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients after renal transplantation. Tacrolimus may be more favorable in this respect, but controlled data are scarce. In this prospective randomized study in 124 stable renal transplant patients, the effects of conversion from cyclosporine to tacrolimus on cardiovascular risk factors and renal function were investigated. Follow-up was 6 mo. Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA for repeated measurements. The serum creatinine level decreased from 137 ± 30 μmol/L to 131 ± 29 μmol/L ( P P P P P P P