New Onset Dyslipidemia After Renal Transplantation: Is There a Difference Between Tacrolimus and Cyclosporine?

Abstract

Lipid abnormalities including increased total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) have been frequently reported in renal transplantation and could be involved in the high frequency of cardiovascular diseases in this population. Patients and methods: Two hundred ninety-five patients were transplanted between January 1995 and October 2000 in our center. Two hundred two patients were included in this study. Seventy-six patients received tacrolimus (Tac), and 126 patients cyclosporine (CsA). Lipid parameters were assessed the day of transplantation and 1 year posttransplantation. Results: Serum lipids were similar between the two groups at D0. At M12, TC and LDL-C were significantly higher in the CsA group (6.14 ± 1.37 vs 5.28 ± 1.32 mmol/L; P < .001), whereas there was no difference in high density lipoprotein (HDL)-C levels. Discussion: Mean serum lipid levels and incidence and prevalence of hyperTC, especially LDL-C, was significantly higher in patients receiving CsA when compared with Tac. TG and HDL-C levels were similar. Although the study was retrospective, our results confirm that CsA increases lipid levels, whereas Tac does not. Conclusion: Lipid disorders are frequently observed in renal transplant recipients. CsA, but not Tac, significantly increases incidence and prevalence of high TC and LDL-C. © 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.