Genetic Polymorphisms and Individualized Tacrolimus Dosing

Background. Genetic polymorphisms of metabolism enzymes or intestinal drug transporters may affect pharmacokinetic responses to immunosuppressive drugs in renal transplant recipients. We sought to identify the frequency of genetic polymorphisms and their importance for individualization of tacrolimus doses. Patients and Methods. We performed an observational study in 35 renal transplant recipients treated with tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and corticosteroids. Tacrolimus concentrations were determined by immunoanalysis (IMx method; Abbott Diagnostics, Abbott Park, Ill), on 11 blood samples per patient during the first 6 weeks after renal transplantation. For each patient, we calculated…