| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5729347 | Transplantation Proceedings | 2016 | 4 Pages |
IntroductionImmunosuppression has a pivotal role in kidney transplantation. The new prolonged-release formulation of tacrolimus was developed to provide a more convenient once-daily dosing to improve patient adherence.MethodsWe selected 60 stable kidney transplant recipients who underwent tacrolimus conversion in our unit. Conversion was made on a 1 mg:1 mg basis in 66.7% of patients (n = 40) and on a 1 mg:1.1 mg basis in the remaining 33.3% (n = 20). Clinical and analytical data at conversion and postconversion was analyzed retrospectively to evaluate the efficacy and safety of conversion from tacrolimus twice-daily to once-daily formulation.ResultsA significant reduction in tacrolimus blood levels requiring an increase in tacrolimus daily dose was observed postconversion. Postconversion tacrolimus blood level reduction >25% was significantly higher in the conversion group 1 mg:1 mg basis (P = .004). In patients converted 1 mg:1 mg, female sex and higher tacrolimus level at conversion were significant risk factors for a reduction >25% in tacrolimus blood levels after conversion. No significant change was detected between mean glomerular filtration rate at conversion (57 mL/min) and at 3, 6, and 9 months postconversion.ConclusionsOnce-daily tacrolimus at similar doses to the twice-daily formulation is an efficient and safe treatment option. Conversion made on 1 mg:1.1 mg basis seems advantageous at least in some patients.
