OBJECTIVE: To present the correlation between dosage and plasma concentration of tacrolimus and the consequences for short-term hepatorenal function of conversion to Advagraf (tacrolimus extended-release capsules) in liver transplant recipients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This observational study on adult liver transplant recipients examined tacrolimus levels after conversion to Advagraf therapy. Mean (SD) patient age was 51 (44-59) years. Conversion occurred at 43 (19-85) months posttransplantation, and follow-up was 193 (106.5-243.25) days. Dosage was adjusted milligram for milligram. Levels of tacrolimus, total bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, alkaline phosphatase, and creatinine were recorded on the day before conversion to Advagraf and 1, 3, 6, and months afterward. RESULTS: Of the 79 patients in whom therapy was converted to Advagraf, 31 (39.2%) had alcoholic cirrhosis, 19 (24.1%) had viral disease, 10 (12.7) had mixed disease, 8 (10.1%) had cholestatic disease, 4 (5.1%) had metabolic disease, and 7 (8.8%) had other diseases. Despite no modification of Advagraf dosage during follow-up in most patients, mean tacrolimus levels decreased from the first month after conversion; however, at 6 months after conversion, they tended to equal the initial value. Renal function and liver biochemistry values demonstrated no significant change during follow-up. CONCLUSION: Although tacrolimus levels decreased initially after conversion to Advagraf therapy, 1:1 conversion is safe for hepatorenal function in liver transplant recipients.
OBJECTIVE: To present the correlation between dosage and plasma concentration of tacrolimus and the consequences for short-term hepatorenal function of conversion to Advagraf (tacrolimus extended-release capsules) in liver transplant recipients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This observational study on adult liver transplant recipients examined tacrolimus levels after conversion to Advagraf therapy. Mean (SD) patient age was 51 (44-59) years. Conversion occurred at 43 (19-85) months posttransplantation, and follow-up was 193 (106.5-243.25) days. Dosage was adjusted milligram for milligram. Levels of tacrolimus, total bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, alkaline phosphatase, and creatinine were recorded on the day before conversion to Advagraf and 1, 3, 6, and months afterward. RESULTS: Of the 79 patients in whom therapy was converted to Advagraf, 31 (39.2%) had alcoholic cirrhosis, 19 (24.1%) had viral disease, 10 (12.7) had mixed disease, 8 (10.1%) had cholestatic disease, 4 (5.1%) had metabolic disease, and 7 (8.8%) had other diseases. Despite no modification of Advagraf dosage during follow-up in most patients, mean tacrolimus levels decreased from the first month after conversion; however, at 6 months after conversion, they tended to equal the initial value. Renal function and liver biochemistry values demonstrated no significant change during follow-up. CONCLUSION: Although tacrolimus levels decreased initially after conversion to Advagraf therapy, 1:1 conversion is safe for hepatorenal function in liver transplant recipients.
Authors: Itziar Oteo; John C Lukas; Nerea Leal; Elena Suarez; Andres Valdivieso; Mikel Gastaca; Jorge Ortiz de Urbina; Rosario Calvo Journal: Eur J Clin Pharmacol Date: 2012-06-03 Impact factor: 2.953
Authors: Katherine A Barraclough; Nicole M Isbel; David W Johnson; Scott B Campbell; Christine E Staatz Journal: Drugs Date: 2011-08-20 Impact factor: 9.546