Outcome in cadaveric renal transplant recipients treated with cyclosporine A and mycophenolate mofetil versus cyclosporine A and azathioprine.

BACKGROUND: Recent multicenter reports have demonstrated improved outcome in recipients of cadaveric renal transplants treated with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) versus azathioprine (AZA) in combination with cyclosporine A (CSA) and prednisone. We compared the outcome at our center in patients treated with MMF versus AZA, CSA, and prednisone. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 242 adult cadaveric renal transplant recipients treated between 11/91 and 5/97. We compared 25 donor variables and 27 recipient variables and outcome parameters between patients treated with MMF versus AZA. There were 117 patients treated with CSA+AZA, 84 with CSA+MMF, and 42 who received other immunosuppressive strategies. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in any clinically important donor variables. Patients treated with MMF versus AZA and CSA had significantly fewer rejections and readmissions. There was no significant difference in 1- or 2-year patient survival. Recipients treated with MMF had a 5% higher graft survival at 2 years, although the difference did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: Outcome is improved in adult recipients of cadaveric renal transplants treated with MMF versus AZA in combination with CSA and prednisone.