Morphologic renal changes during cyclosporine treatment of psoriasis. Studies on pretreatment and posttreatment kidney biopsy specimens.

Abstract

Because of concern about long-term renal toxicity from low-dose cyclosporine therapy, we studied kidney biopsy specimens in psoriasis patients treated with this drug. The purpose of the study was to investigate whether any morphologic changes appear after approximately 1 year of treatment. Pretreatment and posttreatment renal biopsy specimens were performed in 12 psoriasis patients treated with cyclosporine in dosages from 1.8 to 6 mg/kg/day for 6 to 18 months. The study disclosed a slight but significant increase in interstitial fibrous tissue, which negatively correlated with creatinine clearance. The findings were similar to those described in patients receiving higher dosages of cyclosporine. The clinical relevance of these so-far minor changes is unknown and does not exclude the use of cyclosporine in severe psoriasis; however, they should be taken into consideration in so-called low-dose therapy.