A randomized crossover study comparing different tacrolimus formulations to reduce intrapatient variability in tacrolimus exposure in kidney transplant recipients.

A high intrapatient variability (IPV) in tacrolimus exposure is a risk factor for poor long-term outcomes after kidney transplantation. The main objective of this trial was to investigate whether tacrolimus IPV decreases after switching patients from immediate-release (IR)-tacrolimus to either extended-release (ER)-tacrolimus or LifeCyclePharma (LCP)-tacrolimus. In this randomized, prospective, open-label, cross-over trial, adult kidney transplant recipients on a stable immunosuppressive regimen, including IR-tacrolimus, were randomized for conversion to ER-tacrolimus or LCP-tacrolimus, and for the order in which IR-tacrolimus and the once-daily formulations were taken.

Review: Management of patients with kidney allograft failure.

Late allograft loss in kidney transplant recipients remains a common problem and is associated with high mortality and morbidity. The management of patients with a failed kidney allograft includes a few major dilemmas: when to start dialysis, what is the optimal management regarding immunosuppression, and should an allograft nephrectomy be performed. In suitable candidates for a repeated transplantation there are additional matters to take in consideration.

Graft intolerance syndrome requiring graft nephrectomy after late kidney graft failure: can it be predicted? A retrospective cohort study.

Graft nephrectomy is recommended in case of early graft failure. When the graft fails more than 3-6 months after transplantation, it is current practice to follow a wait-and-see policy. A common indication for graft removal is the graft intolerance syndrome.