Pharmacodynamic monitoring by residual gene expression of the nuclear factor of activated T cell-regulated genes in lung transplant recipients and its correlation with tacrolimus blood levels.

Introduction: Trough blood levels (C) of tacrolimus are used to adjust drug dosage, but they do not consistently correlate with clinical outcomes. Measurement of residual gene expression of nuclear factor of activated T cell (NFAT)-regulated genes (NFAT-RGE) has been proposed as a pharmacodynamic biomarker to assess the degree of immunosuppression in certain solid organ transplantations, but little is known regarding lung transplant recipients (LTR). Our primary objective is to correlate tacrolimus blood levels with NFAT-RGE.

Expectations of patients awaiting lung transplantation: A qualitative study.

Aim: The main aim of the present study is to examine the expectations and feelings of people awaiting lung transplantation.

Background: The assessment of the benefits of lung transplant should consider, among other things, the subjective perceptions of patients about the procedure, especially in relation to the context and to their values, goals and expectations. This is an issue that has not been studied in depth, especially in Spain.