Alterations in renal function in psoriasis patients treated with cyclosporin, 5 mg/kg/day

Background: Cyclosporine has been used to treat a variety of cutaneous and immune-mediated diseases. Nephrotoxicity is the most common major adverse side effect. Objective: The study was designed to investigate the frequency of alterations in serum creatinine in patients with psoriasis receiving 5 mg/kg/day of cyclosporine. Methods: Sixteen patients with severe refractory psoriasis received cyclosporine, 5 mg/kg/ day, for 12 weeks. Serum creatinine was evaluated with respect to each patient's baseline. Results: Serum creatinine levels remained in the normal range, but 10 of 16 patients had a 30% elevation and 5 of 16 patients had a 50% elevation of serum creatinine compared with the patient's baseline value. Conclusion: These results indicate that a significant elevation in serum creatinine occurs in many patients who receive cyclosporine for psoriasis.