Early Conversion From Twice-Daily Tacrolimus to Prolonged-Release Tacrolimus in Liver Transplantation: A Single-Center Experience

• DOI: 10.12659/aot.898604
• Publication Date: 2016-07-19T06:20:58Z
• Authors: Yasuhiro Ogura; Hisashi Imai; Hideya Kamei; Tomohide Hori; Nobuhiko Kurata; Yasuharu Onishi
• Keywords: Immunosuppression; Trough level; Single Center; Liver function

BACKGROUND Prolonged-release tacrolimus (Tac QD) is widely used in organ transplantation. However, the conversion from twice-daily BID) to Tac QD Japan usually done stable patients months or years after liver The aim of this study was assess early during transplant hospital stay. MATERIAL AND METHODS Eighteen transplants (excluding pediatric) were performed 2014-2015. All cases except 2 early-expired enrolled. Our standard immunosuppression oral BID and steroid taper, we add mycophenolate mofetil if indicated. Conversion criteria were: 1) relatively function with trough level by BID, 2) good general condition (no well-controlled complications). We did not fix exact date because each patient's recovery different. Dose rate set at 1:1. RESULTS median number days 27 days. Sixty-two percent converted within 4 weeks transplant, 56% discharged conversion. comparison last week first revealed that mean declined 30.4%, resulting 26.2% dose increase Adverse events limited, all show normal date. CONCLUSIONS Early safe feasible, but its long-term effects need further investigation.