A PROSPECTIVE RANDOMIZED TRIAL ON AZATHIOPRINE ADDITION TO CYCLOSPORINE VERSUS CYCLOSPORINE MONOTHERAPY AT STEROID WITHDRAWAL, 6 MONTHS AFTER RENAL TRANSPLANTATION

Background. Many attempts have been made to withdraw steroid therapy in renal transplant patients in order to avoid its many side effects. Results have been, so far, controversial. In this randomized prospective study, we compare the efficacy of azathioprine adjuncts to cyclosporine at the time of steroid withdrawal, 6 months after transplantation, versus Cyclosporine monotherapy, in preventing acute rejection. Methods. One hundred and sixteen kidney transplant patients with good and stable renal function (creatininemia