Correlation of Tacrolimus Blood Levels with Graft Function in Renal Transplant Patient

AIM: The purpose of this research was to correlate TACROLIMUS blood levels with graft function and to maintain Tacrolimus blood levels within the therapeutic range in renal transplant patients. Objective: To prevent and minimize the risk of graft dysfunction and assessment of drug levels and its correlation to graft function. Methodology: In the department of nephrology at KIMS Hospital, a retrospective study was conducted on sixty patients who are on Tacrolimus and have received a kidney transplant. The study was conducted for a period of six months. Results: Suitable statistical tools were used and data was analyzed which revealed that the patients with graft dysfunction have higher mean serum creatinine and Tacrolimus levels. Conclusion: Our study concludes that graft function correlates with tacrolimus trough levels. When tacrolimus blood levels exceed those in the desired range, creatinine levels rise, resulting in delayed and dysfunctional grafts. Tacrolimus trough levels should be maintained to achieve good graft function. Even a slighter change in the systemic exposure to a drug is clinically significant. Therefore, frequent therapeutic drug monitoring and individualized drug dosage regimens are recommended.