Individualization of immunosuppression: concepts and rationale.

Purpose Of Review: New immunosuppressive agents have decreased the incidence of acute rejection rates without improvement in long-term outcomes. Drug toxicity due to a narrow therapeutic index and individual variations in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics significantly contributes to the inferior outcomes. This review focuses on advances in individualization of immunosuppression therapy using therapeutic drug monitoring and pharmacogenetics/pharmacogenomics as a strategy to minimize toxicity.

The need for early nephrology referral.

The incidence of end-stage renal disease is increasing. Progression to end stage can be slowed if kidney damage is detected at an early stage. Prognosis and outcomes in patients with chronic kidney disease have been related to the quality of predialysis care and the timing of referral.