Three-Year Outcomes in Kidney Transplant Recipients Switched From Calcineurin Inhibitor-Based Regimens to Belatacept as a Rescue Therapy

Background: The long-term benefits of conversion from calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) to belatacept in kidney transplant recipients (KTr) are poorly documented. Methods: A single-center retrospective work to study first-time CNI to belatacept conversion as a rescue therapy [eGFR <30 ml/min/1.73 m(2), chronic histological lesions, or CNI-induced thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA)]. Patient and kidney allograft survivals, eGFR, severe adverse events, donor-specific antibodies (DSA), and histological data were recorded over 36 months after conversion. Results: We included N = 115 KTr. The leading cause for switching was chronic histological lesions with non-optimal eGFR (56.5%). Three years after conversion, patient, and death-censored kidney allograft survivals were 88% and 92%, respectively, eGFR increased significantly from 31.5 ± 17.5 to 36.7 ± 15.7 ml/min/1.73 m(2) (p < 0.01), the rejection rate was 10.4%, OI incidence was 5.2 (2.9–7.6) per 100 person-years. Older age was associated with death, eGFR was not associated with death nor allograft loss. No patient developed dnDSA at M36 after conversion. CNI-induced TMA disappeared in all cases without eculizumab use. Microvascular inflammation and chronic lesions remained stable. Conclusion: Post-KT conversion from CNIs to belatacept, as rescue therapy, is safe and beneficial irrespective of the switch timing and could represent a good compromise facing organ shortage. Age and eGFR at conversion should be considered in the decision whether to switch.