Background: Extended release LCP-tacrolimus (LCPT) allows once-daily dosing in transplant recipients. The improved bioavailability may be beneficial for simultaneous pancreas-kidney recipients (SPK).
Methods: This is a study of 39 SPK recipients on standard immediate-release tacrolimus (IR-TAC, n = 21) or LCPT (n = 18). Coefficient of variability (CV = 100∗standard deviation/mean) was calculated to assess drug levels. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), tacrolimus and creatinine levels were measured postoperatively.
Results: There was no difference in tacrolimus CV in the IR-TAC and LCPT groups at 1 month or 3 months postoperatively; however, a greater difference was observed at 1 year (41.0 vs. 33.1%; p = 0.19). There were six episodes of acute rejection in the IR-TAC group compared to zero episodes in the LCPT group (p = 0.01). HbA1c was significantly higher in the IR-TAC group compared to LCPT at 3 (5.5 vs. 4.9%, p = 0.01), 6 (5.6 vs. 4.9%, p = 0.01) and 12 months (5.8 vs. 5.1%, p = 0.07).
Conclusions: Significantly lower rates of rejection were observed in patients receiving LCPT. The once daily dosing may facilitate medication adherence and result in improved long-term outcomes.
Keywords: Acute rejection; Diabetes; Simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation; Transplant immunosuppression.
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