Figure 4.

Plots of adjusted mean eGFR over time from randomization (solid lines) and month 3 (dotted lines) indicated a sustained improvement in renal function in the belatacept conversion group during the 24-month period. The trend in baseline-adjusted mean eGFR over 24 months showed an estimated positive slope of 0.68 ml/min per 1.73 m² in the belatacept group and a negative slope of −0.11 ml/min per 1.73 m² in the CNI group. For patients who died or had graft loss, missing eGFR values were imputed to zero. Adjusted mean eGFR values (error bars representing 95% CIs) over time are shown along with trend lines on the basis of a linear mixed model using treatment group, baseline eGFR, month (continuous), and interaction term treatment by month as fixed effects. These models also included a random intercept and slope for month. A separate model was fitted for the trend analysis from baseline (shown as solid lines) and month 3 (shown as dashed lines).