J Korean Med Sci.
2019 Apr;34(12):e103. 10.3346/jkms.2019.34.e103.
Comparison of Transplant Outcomes for Low-level and Standard-level Tacrolimus at Different Time Points after Kidney Transplantation
- Affiliations
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- 1Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, Republic of Korea. drcdkim@knu.ac.kr
- 2Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, Republic of Korea.
- 3Department of Clinical Pathology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, Republic of Korea.
- KMID: 2442101
- DOI: http://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2019.34.e103
Abstract
- BACKGROUND
Optimal tacrolimus (TAC) trough levels for different periods after kidney transplantation (KT) has not been definitely established. This study aimed to investigate transplant outcomes of low-level (LL) and standard-level (SL) TAC according to post-transplant period.
METHODS
A total of 278 consecutive kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) receiving TAC-based immunosuppression were divided into LL and SL-TAC groups (4-7 and 7-12 ng/mL for 0-2 months, 3-6 and 6-10 ng/mL for 3-6 months, 2-5 and 5-8 ng/mL for 7-12 months, respectively) according to TAC trough level at each period. We compared estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), biopsy-proven acute rejection (BPAR), de novo donor-specific antibody (dnDSA), calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) toxicity, opportunistic infection, and allograft survival.
RESULTS
SL-TAC group showed significantly higher mean eGFR at 0-2 months than LL-TAC group (72.1 ± 20.3 vs. 64.2 ± 22.7 mL/min/1.73m2; P = 0.003). Incidence of BPAR at 7-12 months was significantly lower in SL-TAC group than in LL-TAC group (0.0% vs. 3.9%; P = 0.039). Patients with persistent SL-TAC lasting 12 months showed higher eGFR at 7-12 months than those with persistent LL-TAC (65.5 ± 13.0 vs. 57.9 ± 13.9 mL/min/1.73m2; P = 0.007). No significant differences in dnDSA, CNI toxicity, serious infections, or allograft survival were observed.
CONCLUSIONS
Maintenance of proper TAC trough level after 6 months could reduce BPAR without adverse drug toxicities in KTRs. Moreover, persistent SL-TAC during the first year after KT might have a beneficial effect on a trend for a lower incidence of dnDSA and better renal allograft function.
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