EFFECTS OF TACROLIMUS TROUGH CONCENTRATIONS ON LONG-TERM OUTCOMES OF KIDNEY TRANSPLANT RECIPIENTS

In order to investigate the impact of tacrolimus trough concentrations (TTC) on long-term outcome for Chinese kidney transplant recipients, the corresponding information of ninety six Chinese kidney transplant recipients were collected in the following-up period after surgery. TTC were subdivided into four groups according to TTC range (Group I: <= 6 ng/mL, Group II: 6-10 ng/mL, Group III: 10-15 ng/mL, and Group IV: >15 ng/mL), and then the clinical data of each group were analyzed. The correlations of daily doses of tacrolimus, TTC, and clinical parameters were evaluated by the method of univariate factor analysis. Based on the results, the appropriate range of TTC for Chinese kidney transplant recipients might be 6-15 ng/mL. Compared with the ranges of <= 6 ng/mL and >15 ng/mL, the patients whose TTC were maintained in the range of 6-15 ng/mL had better allograft function and low risks of moderate/severe anemia and infection. The main clinical parameters significantly affecting daily doses of tacrolimus and TTC were also provided. The result of our study might be useful for guiding clinical monitoring of tacrolimus. Furthermore, it could provide astrong support for the clinical treatment forkidney transplant recipients.