Conversion From Prograf to Advagraf in Stable Kidney Transplant Recipients: Better Renal Function After 3-Year Follow-up

• Published in: Transplantation proceedings 2014-09, Vol.46 (7), p.2224-2227
• Main Authors: Spagnoletti, G, Gargiulo, A, Salerno, M.P, Favi, E, Pedroso, J.A, Calia, R, Romagnoli, J, Citterio, F
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Creatinine - blood; Delayed-Action Preparations - therapeutic use; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Glomerular Filtration Rate; Graft Survival; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents - therapeutic use; Kidney Transplantation; Male; Middle Aged; Surgery; Tacrolimus - therapeutic use
• ISSN: 0041-1345; 1873-2623
• DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2014.08.003

Abstract Background The complexity of treatment after solid organ transplantation has been related to non-adherence to therapy prescriptions and to reduced graft survival. The aim of this study was to evaluate the middle-term effects of the conversion from Prograf (TAC), to extended-release tacrolimus (Advagraf) (ADV) in stable kidney transplant recipients. Methods Conversion from TAC to ADV (dose, 1:1 mg/mg) was planned in 78 kidney transplant patients with stable renal function 71 ± 48 months after renal transplantation. Before conversion, 1 week after conversion, and every 6 months up to 3 years, patients were evaluated clinically and by means of the usual blood chemistry and pharmacologic parameters. Results Twenty patients (26%) refused to change their pre-existing immunosuppressive therapy; therefore, 58 patients entered the study and 45 (77%) completed the 3-year follow-up. Patient survival was 98% and allograft survival was 96%. Significant reduction in serum creatinine levels and increased glomerular filtration rate were observed after conversion (3-year creatinine: before TAC 1.67 ± 0.47 mg/dL vs after ADV 1.47 ± 0.62 mg/dL,  P