Conversion of cyclosporine to tacrolimus in stable renal allograft recipients: Quantification of effects on the severity of gingival enlargement and hirsutism and patient-reported outcomes

Abstract

Background: Cyclosporine-induced side-effects such as gum enlargement and hirsutism potentially limit its effectiveness as a calcineurin-antagonist if these effects contribute to a lack of compliance. Although the differences in incidence of these effects are widely recognized, few studies are available to show the extent of reduced gum enlargement and hirsutism in patients converted from cyclosporine to tacrolimus. This study aimed to determine the efficacy and safety and patient-reported outcomes of such conversions. Methods: Twenty-one consecutive cyclosporine-treated renal-transplant recipients with evidence of gingival enlargement were randomized into two arms: 10 continued to receive c..