Tacrolimus Effects and Side Effects After Liver Transplantation: Is There a Difference Between Immediate and Extended Release?

BackgroundImmunosuppressive therapy after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) requires a high degree of patient compliance to guarantee safety and avoid side effects. In 2007, prolonged-release tacrolimus was launched in Europe to improve compliance. In this prospective observational crossover single-center trial, we analyzed effects and side effects of prolonged-release tacrolimus in OLT patients.MethodsLT patients at our center were included if they were older than l8 years of age, had had the procedure at least 6 months prior, and were outpatients currently on twice-daily tacrolimus. Patients were observed for 6 months before switching to once-daily tacrolimus. Patient history, clinical examination, and laboratory examinations were recorded on inclusion as well as after 3, 6, 9, 12, and 18 months.ResultsThe rates of rejection, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and diabetes mellitus were compared during twice-daily and once-daily tacrolimus. Similarly, laboratory parameters were identical during both periods with the exception of glycated hemoglobin, which was significantly elevated under once-daily tacrolimus (P = .00l).ConclusionConverting patients to extended-release tacrolimus with was safe in terms of rejection, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia as well as renal and liver functions. Further investigations concerning pharmacokinetics and glucose metabolism will be needed to evaluate prolonged-release tacrolimus.