BACKGROUND

Non-adherence with immunosuppressant medication (MNA) fosters development of de novo donor-specific antibodies (DSA), rejection, and graft failure (GF) in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). However, there is no simple tool to assess MNA, prospectively. The goal was to monitor MNA and analyze its predictive value for DSA generation, acute rejection and GF.

METHODS

We enrolled 301 KTRs in a multicentric French study. MNA was assessed prospectively at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months (M) post-KT, using the Morisky scale. We investigated the association between MNA and occurrence of DSA at year 2 post transplantation, using logistic regression models and the association between MNA and rejection or graft failure, using Cox multivariable models.

RESULTS

The initial percentage of MNA patients was 17.7%, increasing to 34.6% at 24 months. Nineteen patients (8.4%) developed DSA 2 to 3 years after KT. After adjustment for recipient age, HLA sensitization, HLA mismatches, and maintenance treatment, MNA was associated neither with DSA occurrence, nor acute rejection. Only cyclosporine use and calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) withdrawal were strongly associated with DSA and rejection. With a median follow-up of 8.9 years, GF occurred in 87 patients (29.0%). After adjustment for recipient and donor age, CNI trough level, DSA, and rejection, MNA was not associated with GF. The only parameters associated with GF were DSA occurrence, and acute rejection.

CONCLUSIONS

Prospective serial monitoring of MNA using the Morisky scale does not predict DSA occurrence, rejection or GF in KTRs. In contrast, cyclosporine and CNI withdrawal induce dnDSA and rejection, which lead to GF.