A prospective randomized trial comparing the efficacy of tacrolimus versus cyclosporine in black recipients of primary cadaveric renal transplants

BACKGROUND: We performed a prospective randomized trial to compare the efficacy and safety of tacrolimus (FK506) versus cyclosporine (CSA) in black primary cadaveric renal transplant (CRT) recipients. METHODS: Between December 1994 and February 1997, 35 black primary CRT recipients were enrolled in this trial. All patients received 7 days of induction therapy with OKT3. Fourteen patients received FK506 and prednisone only. Twenty-one patients received CSA, azathioprine, and prednisone. The two groups were comparable in terms of age, gender, plasma renin activity, human leukocyte antigen mismatches, and cause of renal failure. RESULTS: Patient and graft survival were 12 of 14 (86%) for the FK506 group and 20 of 21 (95%) for the CSA group (P = 0.71). Three patients died owing to cardiac events with functioning grafts. Acute rejection was 2 of 14 (14%) for the FK506 and 8 of 21 (38%) for the CSA group (P = 0.25). Two other patients on CSA were converted to FK506 as rescue for OKT3-resistant rejection. Mean serum cholesterol at I year was 198 ± 45 mg/dL for the FK506 group and 244 ± 49 mg/dL for the CSA group (P = 0.03). Mean serum creatinine at 1 year was 1.39 ± 0.38 mg/dL for the FK506 group and 1.94 ± 0.64 mg/dL for the CSA group (P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Patient and graft survival were similar in both groups at I year posttransplant. Although statistically not significant, the incidence of acute rejection was lower in the FK506 group. Furthermore, FK506-treated patients had significantly lower serum creatinine and cholesterol levels at 1 year posttransplant.