Population pharmacokinetics and Bayesian estimation of tacrolimus exposure in paediatric liver transplant recipients

Aims

The objectives of this study were to develop a population pharmacokinetic (PopPK) model for tacrolimus in paediatric liver transplant patients and determine optimal sampling strategies to estimate tacrolimus exposure accurately.

Methods

Twelve hour intensive pharmacokinetic profiles from 30 patients (age 0.4–18.4 years) receiving tacrolimus orally were analysed. The PopPK model explored the following covariates: weight, age, sex, type of transplant, age of liver donor, liver function tests, albumin, haematocrit, drug interactions, drug formulation and time post-transplantation. Optimal sampling strategies were developed and validated with jackknife.

Results

A two-compartment model with first-order absorption and elimination and lag time described the data. Weight was included on all pharmacokinetic parameters. Typical apparent clearance and central volume of distribution were 12.1 l h⁻¹ and 31.3 l, respectively. The PopPK approach led to the development of optimal sampling strategies, which allowed estimation of tacrolimus pharmacokinetics and area under the concentration–time curve (AUC) on the basis of practical sampling schedules (three or four sampling times within 4 h) with clinically acceptable prediction error limit. The mean bias and precision of the Bayesian vs. reference (trapezoidal) AUCs ranged from −2.8 to −1.9% and from 7.4 to 12.5%, respectively.

Conclusions

The PopPK of tacrolimus and empirical Bayesian estimates represent an accurate and convenient method to predict tacrolimus AUC_(0–12) in paediatric liver transplant recipients, despite high between-subject variability in pharmacokinetics and patient demographics. The developed optimal sampling strategies will allow the undertaking of prospective trials to define the tacrolimus AUC-based therapeutic window and dosing guidelines in this population.     

A comparison of the pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus and microemulsified cyclosporin in paediatric renal transplant recipients

Objective Our objective was to identify common factors that determine the dose of tacrolimus and microemulsified cyclosporin in paediatric renal transplant recipients.Methods The concentration profiles of tacrolimus and cyclosporin in blood were determined in 68 children who had received a renal transplant. To avoid disruption of therapy, measurements were made at 2-h intervals over an 8-h period during normal dosing regimens. Direct comparisons of the two drugs were made in 14 of the subjects who were switched from cyclosporin to tacrolimus.Results The ratio of peak to trough levels for tacrolimus was approximately twofold compared with over threefold for cyclosporin. Area under the curve (AUC) for tacrolimus remained relatively constant in each 2-h period of the dosage interval compared with the AUC for cyclosporin, which varied by over twofold in the same time period. In the 14 subjects who received both drugs, there was a poor correlation between C₂/C₀, C₂, t_1/2 and AUC for tacrolimus and cyclosporin in the same individual. In a multivariate analysis, there were no significant associations for tacrolimus concentrations, AUC or C₂/C₀ with age, gender, calcium-channel blocker, quinolone or statin. For cyclosporin, there was some association for AUC with gender and quinolone use and a weak association with calcium-channel blocker or statin use.Conclusions Tacrolimus and microemulsified cyclosporin display a wide intra- and inter-individual variation in pharmacokinetic properties in young subjects. In the case of absorption represented by the peak-trough ratios, the values for tacrolimus are significantly less than those obtained with cyclosporin. The pharmacokinetic parameters obtained for one of these agents is not predictive for the behaviour of the other in young renal transplant recipients.     

Co-administration of sirolimus alters tacrolimus pharmacokinetics in a dose-dependent manner in adult renal transplant recipients.

A combination of tacrolimus (TAC) and sirolimus (SIR) has recently proved to be a very effective immunosuppressive regimen in organ transplantation. In pediatric transplant recipients, co-administration of these two drugs has been shown to result in a significant decrease of exposure to TAC, whereas conflicting data have been obtained regarding this pharmacokinetic interaction in adults. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of SIR on TAC pharmacokinetics in adult transplant recipients. Sixteen adult patients (mean age 38+/-8 years), who had been on standard TAC plus low-dose SIR immunosuppressive treatment for 6 months after renal transplantation, were enrolled for a TAC pharmacokinetic study before and 15 days after discontinuing SIR. Eight patients had received SIR 0.5 mg day(-1) and eight patients 2 mg day(-1). TAC doses remained the same in all patients after SIR withdrawal. After discontinuing SIR, statistically significant, dose-dependent increases were observed in area under the curve (AUC), peak (C(max)) and trough (C(min)) TAC concentrations (+15-20% and +27-32%, after discontinuing the 0.5 and the 2 mg day(-1) doses, respectively). Proportional decreases were consistently observed in apparent oral clearance (-13% and -23%). Very good correlations were found between TAC AUC and C(min), both before and after SIR withdrawal (R(2)=0.94, P<0.0001 and R(2)=0.97, P<0.0001, respectively). Our findings clearly demonstrate that the SIR-induced reduction in TAC exposure also takes place in adults and is, therefore, a general, age-independent phenomenon. Hence, TAC levels need to be carefully monitored in transplant recipients of any age, in order to avoid possible TAC overexposure upon SIR discontinuation.     

积极推进我国器官捐赠和移植的历史性转型

器官移植是救治器官功能衰竭最有效的手段,但术后急、慢性排斥反应是导致移植物功能丧失的重要原因之一,因此免疫抑制剂的安全合理应用起着至关重要的作用。然而,临床常用免疫抑制剂普遍具有治疗窗窄、药代动力学及药效动力学个体差异显著的特点,导致其给药剂量难以把握。综述近年来器官移植术后常用免疫抑制剂,包括他克莫司、环孢素、麦考酚酸类药物、西罗莫司、依维莫司、糖皮质激素及抗体类药物的药动学、药效学的相关遗传多态性的研究进展,以期为器官移植术后免疫抑制剂临床个体化治疗提供参考。

     

Clinical pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of mycophenolate in solid organ transplant recipients

This review aims to provide an extensive overview of the literature on the clinical pharmacokinetics of mycophenolate in solid organ transplantation and a briefer summary of current pharmacodynamic information. Strategies are suggested for further optimisation of mycophenolate therapy and areas where additional research is warranted are highlighted. Mycophenolate has gained widespread acceptance as the antimetabolite immunosuppressant of choice in organ transplant regimens. Mycophenolic acid (MPA) is the active drug moiety. Currently, two mycophenolate compounds are available, mycophenolate mofetil and enteric-coated (EC) mycophenolate sodium. MPA is a potent, selective and reversible inhibitor of inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH), leading to eventual arrest of T- and B-lymphocyte proliferation. Mycophenolate mofetil and EC-mycophenolate sodium are essentially completely hydrolysed to MPA by esterases in the gut wall, blood, liver and tissue. Oral bioavailability of MPA, subsequent to mycophenolate mofetil administration, ranges from 80.7% to 94%. EC-mycophenolate sodium has an absolute bioavailability of MPA of approximately 72%. MPA binds 97-99% to serum albumin in patients with normal renal and liver function. It is metabolised in the liver, gastrointestinal tract and kidney by uridine diphosphate gluconosyltransferases (UGTs). 7-O-MPA-glucuronide (MPAG) is the major metabolite of MPA. MPAG is usually present in the plasma at 20- to 100-fold higher concentrations than MPA, but it is not pharmacologically active. At least three minor metabolites are also formed, of which an acyl-glucuronide has pharmacological potency comparable to MPA. MPAG is excreted into the urine via active tubular secretion and into the bile by multi-drug resistance protein 2 (MRP-2). MPAG is de-conjugated back to MPA by gut bacteria and then reabsorbed in the colon. Mycophenolate mofetil and EC-mycophenolate sodium display linear pharmacokinetics. Following mycophenolate mofetil administration, MPA maximum concentration usually occurs in 1-2 hours. EC-mycophenolate sodium exhibits a median lag time in absorption of MPA from 0.25 to 1.25 hours. A secondary peak in the concentration-time profile of MPA, due to enterohepatic recirculation, often appears 6-12 hours after dosing. This contributes approximately 40% to the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC). The mean elimination half-life of MPA ranges from 9 to 17 hours. MPA displays large between- and within-subject pharmacokinetic variability. Dose-normalised MPA AUC can vary more than 10-fold. Total MPA concentrations should be interpreted with caution in patients with severe renal impairment, liver disease and hypoalbuminaemia. In such individuals, MPA and MPAG plasma protein binding may be altered, changing the fraction of free MPA available. Apparent oral clearance (CL/F) of total MPA appears to increase in proportion to the increased free fraction, with a reduction in total MPA AUC. However, there may be little change in the MPA free concentration. Ciclosporin inhibits biliary excretion of MPAG by MRP-2, reducing enterohepatic recirculation of MPA. Exposure to MPA when mycophenolate mofetil is given in combination with ciclosporin is approximately 30-40% lower than when given alone or with tacrolimus or sirolimus. High dosages of corticosteroids may induce expression of UGT, reducing exposure to MPA. Other co-medications can interfere with the absorption, enterohepatic recycling and metabolism of mycophenolate. Most pharmacokinetic investigations of MPA have involved mycophenolate mofetil rather than EC-mycophenolate sodium therapy. In population pharmacokinetic studies, MPA CL/F in adults ranges from 14.1 to 34.9 L/h (ciclosporin co-therapy) and from 11.9 to 25.4 L/h (tacrolimus co-therapy). Patient bodyweight, serum albumin concentration and immunosuppressant co-therapy have a significant influence on CL/F. The majority of pharmacodynamic data on MPA have been obtained in patients receiving mycophenolate mofetil therapy in the first year after kidney transplantation. Low MPA AUC is associated with increased incidence of biopsy-proven acute rejection. Gastrointestinal adverse events may be dose related. Leukopenia and anaemia have been associated with high MPA AUC, trough concentration and metabolite concentrations in some, but not all, studies. High free MPA exposure has been identified as a risk factor for leukopenia in some investigations. Targeting a total MPA AUC from 0 to 12 hours (AUC12) of 30-60 mg.hr/L is likely to minimise the risk of acute rejection and may reduce toxicity. IMPDH monitoring is in the early experimental stage. Individualisation of mycophenolate therapy should lead to improved patient outcomes. MPA AUC12 appears to be the most useful exposure measure for such individualisation. Limited sampling strategies and Bayesian forecasting are practical means of estimating MPA AUC12 without full concentration-time profiling. Target concentration intervention may be particularly useful in the first few months post-transplant and prior to major changes in anti-rejection therapy. In patients with impaired renal or hepatic function or hypoalbuminaemia, free drug measurement could be valuable in further interpretation of MPA exposure.     

肝移植患者术后口服他克莫司群体药动学研究

目的:考察肝移植患者术后口服他克莫司的群体药动学模型,为临床个体化用药提供参考。方法:回顾性收集天津市第一中心医院18例肝移植患者术后口服他克莫司12 h全血药浓度监测数据145个。运用非线性混合效应模型(nonlinear mixed effect model,NONMEM)建立他克莫司群体药动学模型,并考察了年龄、性别、移植术后天数、血清肌酐等固定效应对药动学参数的影响,得到最终模型方程,最后利用Bayesian反馈得到的个体药动学参数值进行个体化给药方案设计。结果:本次研究建立起了口服他克莫司一级吸收和消除的二房室群体药动学模型,并通过NONMEM模拟程序为1例患者进行了个体化给药设计。结论:NONMEM法建立的模型能较好地估算他克莫司的个体及群体药动学参数,为临床合理使用他克莫司提供参考依据。     

CYP 3A5*3基因多态性对肾移植术后他克莫司药代动力学的影响

目的探讨CYP3A5*3基因多态性对肾移植术后他克莫司(免疫抑制药)剂量校正给药2h后浓度的影响。方法选取61例肾移植术后患者,用聚合酶链式反应-限制性片段长度多态性的方法,分析CYP 3A5*3基因型;用微粒酶联免疫吸附法,测定患者他克莫司浓度。并分析CYP 3A5*3基因多态性与他克莫司给药剂量、给药2h浓度(C2)及剂量校正给药2h后浓度(C2/D)的相关性。结果肾移植术后1周及1、3个月,CYP 3A5*1/*1 CYP 3A5*1/*3组和CYP3A5*3/*3组他克莫司剂量比较均无显著性差异。术后1周和1个月,2组间他克莫司C2比较无显著性差异;术后3个月,CYP 3A5*1/*1 CYP 3A5*1/*3组的C2显著低于CYP 3A5*3/*3组(P<0.05)。术后1周及1、3个月,CYP 3A5*1/*1 CYP 3A5*1/*3组的C2/D均明显低于CYP 3A5*3/*3组(P<0.05)。结论肾移植术后,他克莫司C2/D的个体化差异与患者CYP3A5*3基因型密切相关。     

他克莫司在中国肾移植患者中的群体药物动力学研究

本研究旨在考察口服他克莫司(tacrolimus)在中国肾移植患者中的群体药物动力学特征并探讨群体药物动力学参数和相关因素间的关系。研究中回顾性搜集了58例肾移植患者的802份他克莫司稳态全血样本资料。患者随机分为模型建立组(41例)和模型验证组(17例)。用非线性混合效应模型(NONMEM)程序中的一级评估法(first-order estimation，FO)对模型建立组的数据进行分析。计算清除率(CL/F)、表观分布容积(V/F)的群体典型值，定量评价人口统计学指标、生化指标和合并用药等固定效应因素对药物动力学参数的影响。单室一级吸收和消除模型能够较好地拟合数据。最终模型包含了移植术后时间(POD)、红细胞压积(HCT)、谷草转氨酶(AST)、合并使用佩尔地平(NICA)和地尔硫(DIL)等对CL/F的影响。用模型验证组数据进行验证的结果表明观测值和模型预测值之间没有明显的偏倚，模型的稳定性和准确度较好。CL/F和V/F的群体典型值分别为21.7 L·h^-1和241 L；相应的个体间变异分别为41.6%和49.7%。观测值与预测值之间的残差SD为2.19 μg·L^-1。本文建立的模型可以为临床他克莫司剂量选择提供一定参考。     

Evaluation of the Architect tacrolimus assay in kidney,liver, and heart transplant recipients

The narrow therapeutic range of tacrolimus requires therapeutic drug monitoring to prevent transplant rejection and to minimize nephrotoxicity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the analytical performance of the tacrolimus chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA) in everyday practice comparatively with other methods. CMIA imprecision and accuracy were tested using low, medium, and high concentrations in control samples. The limits of quantification (LOQ) of CMIA and antibody-conjugated magnetic immunoassay (ACMIA) were evaluated using negative whole-blood samples containing 0.4–5.7 ng/ml of tacrolimus from a stock solution. CMIA was compared with ACMIA, enzyme multiplied immunoassay (EMIT), and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS), using 176 samples from recipients (135 men and 41 women) of heart (n = 19), kidney (n = 107), or liver (n = 50) transplants. CMIA total precision was 5.7%, 3.7% and 3.6% with the low-, medium-, and high-concentration controls, respectively; corresponding values for accuracy were 98%, 104%, and 104%. LOQ was 0.5 (95%CI, 0.22–1.38) with CMIA and 2.5 ng/ml with ACMIA. Linear regression results were as follows: CMIA = 1.2LC–MS/MS + 0.14 (r = 0.98); CMIA = 0.93EMIT + 0.36 (r = 0.975); CMIA = 1.15ACMIA − 0.25 (r = 0.988); and, for tacrolimus concentrations in the 1–15 ng/ml range, of special interest as many transplant recipients are given low-dose tacrolimus, CMIA = 1.05LC–MS/MS + 0.38 (r = 0.94). Two patients had falsely elevated tacrolimus concentrations due to interference in the ACMIA assay; one was a renal transplant recipient who stopped her treatment and had tacrolimus concentrations of 12.5 ng/ml by ACMIA and <0.5 ng/ml by CMIA; the other was an HIV-positive renal transplant recipient whose tacrolimus concentrations by ACMIA were 1.8–43.7-fold those by CMIA. Such interferences with ACMIA, which may be related to endogenous antibodies in the plasma, are likely to negatively impact patient care. In conclusion, the tacrolimus CMIA assay is suitable for routine laboratory use and does not suffer from the interferences seen with ACMIA in some patients.     

Drug interactions between tacrolimus and phenytoin in Japanese heart transplant recipients: 2 case reports

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to demonstrate how the interaction between phenytoin and tacrolimus (FK 506) can be managed clinically and to characterize the change in FK 506 levels after discontinuation of phenytoin in two Japanese heart transplant recipients with different dosing periods ofphenytoin. METHODS: A drug interaction between phenytoin and FK 506 was investigated in 2 patients. The concentration-dose ratios (CDR: trough blood FK 506 level (ng/ml)/FK 506 dose (mg/day) on the previous day) were calculated as an index of the induction of the CYP3A4 enzyme during and after phenytoin therapy. RESULTS: About 2- to 3-fold dosages of FK 506 were required to maintain the required blood level when phenytoin was used concomitantly in the two cases examined. The FK 506 dose was constant within 21 days after discontinuing phenytoin in Patient 1 who had 36 days of phenytoin therapy. In Patient 2 with 21-day phenytoin therapy, the FK 506 doses and CDR varied for 10 days after discontinuing phenytoin, and expected FK 506 C0 levels were achieved within 11 days. CONCLUSIONS: The persistence of CYP induction after discontinuing phenytoin is dependent on the history of administration and, perhaps, on the dosing period in particular.     

CYP3A5基因型对中国肾移植术后患者体内他克莫司缓释剂型药动学参数的影响

目的研究CYP3A5基因型对中国肾移植术后患者体内他克莫司缓释剂型药动学参数的影响。方法采用化学发光免疫法检测20例肾移植术后患者在服用缓释(10例)和普通剂型(10例)他克莫司后的全血浓度;采用聚合酶链反应-限制性片段长度多态法检测服用缓释剂型他克莫司患者的CYP3A5基因型;缓释剂型组检测0~24 h的11个时间点的血药浓度,而普通剂型检测0~12 h内的10个时间点的血药浓度。结果无剂量校正的缓释剂型组的AUC_(0~24 h)为普通剂型组AUC_(0~12 h)的1.78倍,有剂量校正的缓释剂型组的C_0为普通剂型的60%,其余药动学参数差异无显著性;缓释剂型中慢代谢型组的C_(max)、AUC_(0~24 h)和C_0分别为快代谢型组的1.75、1.96、2.49倍(无剂量校正)以及1.80、2.34和2.64倍(有剂量校正);缓释剂型组的C_0与AUC_(0~24 h)的相关性良好。结论他克莫司普通剂型转换至缓释剂型时应该注意上调给药剂量,同时缓释剂型应结合CYP3A5的基因型检测,确保C_0值在治疗窗范围内。     

Population pharmacokinetics and pharmacogenetics of once daily prolonged-release formulation of tacrolimus in pediatric and adolescent kidney transplant recipients

Background and Objectives

Tacrolimus^PR is a new prolonged-release once-daily formulation of the calcineurin inhibitor tacrolimus, currently used in adult transplant patients. As there are no pharmacokinetic data available in pediatric kidney transplant recipients, the aims of this study were to develop a population pharmacokinetic model of tacrolimus^PR in pediatric and adolescent kidney transplant recipients and to identify covariates that have a significant impacts on tacrolimus^PR pharmacokinetics, including CYP3A5 polymorphism.

Methods

Pharmacokinetic samples were collected from 22 pediatric kidney transplant patients. Population pharmacokinetic analysis was performed using NONMEM. Pharmacogenetic analysis was performed on the CYP3A5 gene.

Results

The pharmacokinetic data were best described by a one-compartment model with first order absorption and lag-time. The weight normalized oral clearance CL/F [CL/F/ (weight/70)^0.75] was lower in patients with CYP3A5*3/*3 as compared to patients with the CYP3A5*1/*3 (32.2?±?10.1 vs. 53.5?±?20.2 L/h, p?=?0.01).

Conclusions

The population pharmacokinetic model of tacrolimus^PR was developed and validated in pediatric and adolescent kidney transplant patients. Body weight and CYP3A5 polymorphism were identified as significant factors influencing pharmacokinetics. The developed model could be useful to optimize individual pediatric tacrolimus ^PR dosing regimen in routine clinical practice.     

Impact of changing from cyclosporine to tacrolimus on pharmacokinetics of mycophenolic acid in renal transplant recipients with diabetes

The rate of mycophenolic acid (MPA) absorption after oral administration of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is delayed in patients with diabetes. Cyclosporine (CsA) decreases MPA exposure by inhibiting enterohepatic recirculation of MPA/MPA glucuronide, and tacrolimus (TRL) may alter the rate and extent of MPA absorption due to its prokinetic properties especially in patients with diabetic gastroparesis. This study evaluated the effect of changing from CsA to TRL on pharmacokinetics of MPA in stable renal transplant recipients with long-standing diabetes. Eight patients were switched from a stable dose of CsA to TRL while taking MMF 1 g twice daily. The 12-hour steady-state total plasma concentration-time profiles of MPA and MPA glucuronide were obtained after oral administration of MMF on 2 occasions: first while taking CsA and second after changing to TRL. Pharmacokinetic parameters of MPA were calculated by the noncompartmental method. Changing from CsA to TRL resulted in significantly increased MPA exposure (area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to 12 hours, AUC0-12) by 46 +/- 32% (P = 0.012) and MPA predose concentration (C0) by 121 +/- 67% (P = 0.008). The magnitude of change in MPA exposure did not correlate well with MPA-C0 or CsA trough concentration. Switching to TRL had minimal impact on peak concentration of MPA (15.0 +/- 6.9 mg/L with CsA versus 16.1 +/- 9.7 mg/L with TRL, P = 0.773) and time to reach the peak concentration (1.0 +/- 0.4 hours with CsA versus 1.2 +/- 0.8 hours with TRL, P = 0.461). Highly variable and unpredictable changes in MPA exposure among renal transplant patients with diabetes do not support a strategy of preemptively adjusting MMF dose when switching calcineurin inhibitors in this population.     

Population pharmacokinetics of cyclosporine in cardiopulmonary transplant recipients

A population pharmacokinetic analysis of cyclosporine (CsA) was performed, and the influence of covariates on CsA oral clearance and relative bioavailability was investigated. Data from 48 recipients of heart-lung (n = 21) or single (n = 18) or double (n = 9) lung transplant were included in the study. Patients received oral CsA as either a conventional formulation (Sandimmune) or a microemulsion (Neoral). Steady-state CsA concentrations were measured before and at approximately 2 and 6 hours after the morning dose of CsA at the end of weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, 13, 26, 39, and 52 posttransplantation. A total of 1004 CsA concentration observations were analyzed using mixed effects-modeling (NONMEM). A 1-compartment pharmacokinetic model and first-order oral absorption were used to fit the data. The absorption rate constants were fixed at 0.25 L/h for Sandimmune and 1.35 L/h for Neoral formulations. Oral clearance (CL/F) was estimated to be 22.1 L/h (95% confidence intervals [CI] 19.5-24.7 L/h). Itraconazole (ITRA), cystic fibrosis (CF), and weight (WT) were identified as significant covariates for CL/F according to the final model: CL/F = 22.1 - 11.3 x ITRA + 23.5 x CF + 0.129 x (WT - 58.7) L/h; where ITRA = 1 if the patient was taking concomitant itraconazole, otherwise 0; CF = 1 if the patient had cystic fibrosis, otherwise CF = 0; and WT is patient weight in kilograms. The relative oral bioavailability of Sandimmune to Neoral was 0.82. The bioavailability of both preparations increased during the first month posttransplantation. Age, gender, and type of transplant (single, double, or heart-lung) were not identified as significant covariates for CsA clearance. The population pharmacokinetic model developed identified some sources of variability in CsA pharmacokinetics; however, an appreciable degree of variability is still present in this patient population.     

Population pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus in Asian paediatric liver transplant patients

AIMS: The purpose of this study was to describe the population pharmacokinetics of intravenous and oral tacrolimus (FK506) in 20 Asian paediatric patients, aged 1-14 years, following liver transplantation and to identify possible relationships between clinical covariates and population parameter estimates. METHODS: Details of drug dosage histories, sampling times and concentrations were collected retrospectively from routine therapeutic drug monitoring data accumulated for at least 4 days after surgery. Before analysis, patients were randomly allocated to either the population data set (n = 16) or a validation data set (n = 4). The population data set was comprised of 771 concentration measurements of patients admitted over the last 3 years. Population modelling using the nonlinear mixed-effects model (NONMEM) program was performed on the population data set, using a one-compartment model with first-order absorption and elimination. Population average parameter estimates of clearance (CL), volume of distribution (V) and oral bioavailability (F) were sought; a number of clinical and demographic variables were tested for their influence on these parameters. RESULTS: The final optimal population models related clearance to age, volume of distribution to body surface area and bioavailability to body weight and total bilirubin concentration. Predictive performance of this model evaluated using the validation data set, which comprised 86 concentrations, showed insignificant bias between observed and model-predicted blood tacrolimus concentrations. A final analysis performed in all 20 patients identified the following relationships: CL (l h-1) = 1.46 *[1 + 0. 339 * (AGE (years) -2.25)]; V (l) = 39.1 *[1 + 4.57 * (BSA (m2)-0. 49)]; F = 0.197 *[1 + 0.0887 * (WT (kg) -11.4)] and F = 0.197 *[1 + 0.0887 * (WT (kg) -11.4)] * [1.61], if the total bilirubin > or = 200 micromol l-1. The interpatient variabilities (CV%) in CL, V and F were 33.5%, 33.0% and 24.1%, respectively. The intrapatient variability (s.d.) among observed and model-predicted blood concentrations was 5.79 ng ml-1. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the estimates of the pharmacokinetic parameters of tacrolimus agreed with those obtained from conventional pharmacokinetic studies. It also identified significant relationships in Asian paediatric liver transplant patients between the pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus and developmental characteristics of the patients.     

他克莫司在肾移植术后肝功能异常中的应用

目的 :观察他克莫司 (tacrolimus)在肾移植术后肝功能异常病人中应用的有效性及安全性。方法 :将 47例病人分成环孢素组 ,给予环孢素 1 .5～3 .5mg·kg-1,po,bid ,作对照 ;他克莫司治疗组 ,给予他克莫司 0 .0 5～ 0 .1 5mg·kg-1,po,bid。 2组均同时给予霉酚酸酯、泼尼松及保肝药物治疗 ,观察 3mo。结果 :治疗后 90d,他克莫司组的ALT ,SCr,BUN指标分别下降 (1 0 0±s 45 )IU·L-1,(5 8± 3 9)μmol·L-1和 (7± 4)mmol·L-1,(P <0 .0 1 ) ;环孢素组的ALT下降 (4 6± 2 5 )IU·L-1,(P <0 .0 1 ) ,SCr及BUN分别升高 (4 3± 69) μmol·L-1(P <0 .0 1 )和(3± 6)mmol·L-1(P <0 .0 5 )。 2组间比较P <0 .0 5或P <0 .0 1。不良反应环孢素组出现 1 3例 ,他克莫司组出现 1例。结论 :他克莫司在肾移植术后肝功能异常病人中应用有利于肝功能的恢复 ,是安全有效的免疫抑制药