Stepwise Conversion to Sirolimus
The patients suitable for intervention underwent a stepwise conversion to sirolimus (SRL group). During the first visit, the CNI dose was reduced by 50% and sirolimus was started at 2 mg/day. After achieving a whole blood sirolimus concentration of 10–15 ng/mL, CNI was discontinued. The next visit within one to three weeks, mycophenolate or azathioprine were suspended. Patients were therefore kept on sirolimus plus prednisone (5 mg/day).