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Updated: Sep 18, 2025

Quantification of the Immunosuppressant Tacrolimus on Dried Blood Spots Using LC-MS/MS
Published on: November 8, 2015
Analysis of Tacrolimus Clearance in Patients with Kidney Transplants from Romania
Corina Andreea Rotarescu1,2, Ion Maruntelu2, Ion Rotarescu3
1Department of Immunology and Transplant Immunology, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 37 Dionisie Lupu Street, 020022 Bucharest, Romania.
Abstract:
Background/Objectives: Tacrolimus is a key immunosuppressant in kidney transplantation, but its high interindividual pharmacokinetic variability complicates dosing. This study aimed to develop a population pharmacokinetic model and identify the factors explaining variability to optimize tacrolimus therapy in Romanian kidney transplant recipients. Methods: The study included 106 kidney transplant recipients treated at Fundeni Clinical Institute (2022-2024). Tacrolimus blood levels were measured using immunoassays, while gene polymorphisms of CYP3A4, CYP3A5, and ABCB1 were identified by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: Patients with CYP3A4*1/*1.001 impact clearance (RSE = 11.8%), while hematocrit was a significant covariate for intercompartmental clearance (RSE = 6.14%). Conclusions: Incorporating CYP3A4*1/*1.001 genotype and hematocrit into dosing strategies can improve therapeutic drug monitoring and personalize immunosuppressive therapy.
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