Impact of early conversion from cyclosporin to everolimus on left ventricular mass index: A randomized controlled trial

This is an 18‐month prospective, randomized controlled trial (RCT) designed to compare the effect of early conversion from cyclosporin to everolimus/mycophenolic acid (E‐MPA) between 3 and 4 months post‐transplant to cyclosporin/mycophenolic acid (CsA‐MPA) on left ventricular mass index (LVMI) at 3 and 18 months post‐transplant (primary outcome). Secondary outcomes included estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), viral infection, and adverse events. Twenty‐four patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to E‐MPA or CsA‐MPA groups. There were no significant differences in mean (SD) LVMI at 3 (51.6±18.5 vs 53.7±15.7 g/m2.7) and 18 months (52.7±16.3 vs 51.7±16.8 g/m2.7) between CsA‐MPA and E‐MPA groups. The incidence of viral infections was reduced in E‐MPA compared to CsA‐MPA treatment groups (8% vs 50%, P=.02), but the incidences of acute rejection, adverse events, and drug discontinuation were similar between groups. There was an overall increase in eGFR with time (0.04 log‐ mL/min/1.73 m2 per 6 months, P=.012) but no significant difference between the two groups across time (0.11 log‐ mL/min/1.73 m2, P=.311). Immunosuppressive regimen comprising early conversion from cyclosporine to everolimus was not associated with a regression of LVMI, but a lower risk of viral infections was observed.