A limited sampling strategy for tacrolimus in liver transplant patients

To develop limited sampling strategy (LSS) equations to estimate area under the curve (AUC0-12) in Chinese adult transplant patients. 26 adult liver transplant patients were included in this study. The blood samples, collected within 12 hours, were analyzed by microparticle enzyme immunoassay. By multiple stepwise linear regression analysis, LSS equations were identified. The predictive performance of these models was validated by the jackknife technique. As a result, the two sampling time point (trough and 4 hours postdose) model accurately predicted AUC0-12. (R2 = 0.949, ICC = 0.976). The two-point LSS equation (AUC0-12 = 7.26 + (2.17·C0) + (8.30·C4)) can be used as a predictable measure of AUC0-12 of tacrolimus in Chinese liver transplant patients.