Abstract:

Background: This study aimed to investigate whether de novo extended-release tacrolimus (ERT) therapy is safe in kidney recipients. Methods: The study was single-center, retrospective, and included a total of 57 patients, including 30 patients in the ERT group (Group 1) and 27 patients in the immediate-release tacrolimus (IRT) group (Group 2). Demographic and laboratory characteristics of the patients were recorded. Complications such as acute drug toxicity, acute rejection, new-onset diabetes mellitus after transplantation, and development of hypertension, opportunistic infection, and hospitalization data were recorded. Results: The mean age of the patients was 46.23±14.2 years in the ERT group and 47.04±14.6 years in the IRT group. There were 21 (70%) males in group 1, while 20 (74%) patients in group 2 had a male gender (P=0.73). The rate of improved serum creatinine values in the first week postoperatively was similar in both groups. While the mean tacrolimus levels on postoperative day 1 were significantly lower in the group- 1 (P<0.05), there was no significant difference between tacrolimus levels on postoperative days 2-7. There was no significant difference between the groups regarding opportunistic infections, diabetes mellitus, and the need for hospitalization in the first six months of follow-up. Conclusion: Initiation of de novo extended-release tacrolimus therapy in kidney recipients is safe in the long term and preserves graft function.

Keywords: