Safe one-to-one dosage conversion from twice-daily to once-daily tacrolimus in long-term stable recipients after liver transplantation

Yi Ju Wu, Yu Hung Lin, Chee Chien Yong, Wei Feng Li, Shih Ho Wang, Chih Chi Wang, Ting Lung Lin, Chao Long Chen, Chih Che Lin*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal Article peer-review

11 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Once-daily tacrolimus provides better compliance for transplant recipients. However, the conversion strategies of dosage and concentration from twice- to once-daily are not well studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the dosage of conversion, follow-up strategy, and safety of conversion to once-daily tacrolimus in stable and long-term recipients after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). Material/Methods: From January 2011 to November 2012, we selectively converted 35 stable LDLT recipients to once-daily tacrolimus based on 1-to-1 daily dose. The tacrolimus dosage, trough level, liver and renal function before conversion, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after conversion were recorded. Results: Tacrolimus trough level dropped significantly after conversion (2.72±1.65 to 1.85±1.25 ng/mL, p<0.001). No biopsy- proved rejection was detected during 1-year follow-up. However, 1 recipient (2.9%) had a 0.5 mg increase due to elevated liver enzymes and clinically diagnosed rejection. No other patients required dose adjustment due to dropped tough level after conversion. Conclusions: One-to-one dosage conversion in stable LDLT recipients is a safe strategy. Dropped trough level is expected and dose adjustment is rarely required.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)30-34
Number of pages5
JournalAnnals of Transplantation
Volume21
DOIs
StatePublished - 19 01 2016

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© Ann Transplant.

Keywords

  • Liver transplantation
  • Tacrolimus
  • Transplantation

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