Abstract
Risk of nephrotoxicity in liver transplant patients on calcineurin inhibitors (CnIs) is a concern. Several controlled trials reported benefit of everolimus (EVR) in minimizing this risk when combined with a reduced CnI dose.
To systematically review the efficacy and safety of EVR, alone or with reduced CnI dose, as compared to CnI alone post-liver transplantation.
We searched MEDLINE, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library for randomized controlled trials comparing EVR- and CnI-based regimens post-liver transplantation. Assessment of studies and data extraction were undertaken independently.
Eight studies were selected, describing 769 patients. Cockcroft-Gault GFR was higher at one (P = .05), 3, and 5 years (P = .030) in patients on EVR compared to those receiving CnI therapy. The composite endpoint of efficacy failure was similar between the 2 arms after 1, 3, and 5 years of study. More patients discontinued EVR due to adverse effects in 1 year; however, no difference was noted after 3 or 5 years. A higher rates of proteinuria, peripheral edema, and incisional hernia occurred in patients on EVR.
The analysis confirms noninferiority of EVR and reduced CnI combination. Combination regimen resulted in better renal function compared to standard CnI therapy.