Conversion from cyclosporine to prednisolone and azathioprine. Safe or unsafe?

Out of 58 consecutive cadaveric renal allograft recipients whose initial immunosuppression was cyclosporine (Cys) and prednisolone, 18 were converted to prednisolone and azathioprine. Of these all four patients converted because of rejection lost their grafts. Renal function improved in seven patients converted because of nephrotoxicity and in six out of seven patients converted for miscellaneous reasons. Out of five patients converted electively at three months, one died of infection and three developed acute rejection episodes.