Long-term outcome of sirolimus rescue in kidney-pancreas transplantation

Sirolimus (SRL) rescue in kidney-pancreas transplantation has not been well described. We reviewed 112 KPTxs performed at our institution between December 3, 1995 and June 27, 2002. All patients received antibody induction, tacrolimus (TAC), mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), and steroids. In 35 patients, SRL was substituted for MMF for the following reasons: acute rejection (AR) of kidney or pancreas despite adequate TAC levels, MMF intolerance, increasing creatinine levels, and TAC-induced hyperglycemia. Three-year-kidney and pancreas graft survivals were 97% and 90%, respectively. Of 10 patients who were switched to SRL because of AR, one kidney failed because of antibody-resistant AR, and one kidney developed borderline AR; the other eight patients remain AR-free. AR developed in seven other patients despite therapeutic SRL levels; six had TAC levels less than 4.5 ng/mL. The mean creatinine levels overall and for the group with increasing creatinine remained stable. All patients who were switched to SRL for TAC-induced hyperglycemia or MMF intolerance improved. Kidney-pancreas transplant recipients can be safely switched to SRL with excellent graft and patient survival.