【Objective】 We investigated the efficacy and safety of conversion from twice-daily to once-daily tacrolimus formulation after heart transplantation. 【Design】 Case-series study 【Methods】 Ten heart transplant recipients who received twice-daily tacrolimus-based immunosuppressions were evaluated. The conversion to a once-daily tacrolimus formulation was undertaken at 822±290 days after transplantation. Four patients (40) had the conversion during hospitalization for heart transplantation (Early conversion group). Six patients (60) underwent conversion at our outpatient clinic (Late conversion group). The tacrolimus daily dose was adjusted to maintain target blood trough levels. Before conversion (baseline), immediately after conversion, 1 month after conversion, 3 months after conversion, and 6months after conversion, patients were evaluated clinically and by means of the usual blood chemistry and pharmacological parameters. 【Results】 The mean age of ten patients was 36±15 years. The daily dose was changed from the mean value of 4.0±2.3 mg to 4.5±2.5 mg after conversion (p 【Conclusion】 Our data demonstrate that the conversion from twice-daily to once-daily tacrolimus formulation can be safely performed in patients having a heart transplantation. The daily dose of tacrolimus was increased to maintain target trough level. The necessity for such titration warrants further clinical studies.
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