Conversion to LCP Tacrolimus Mitigates Calcineurin-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Patients After Liver Transplantation

Calcineurin inhibitor (CNI)-induced nephrotoxicity after liver transplantation (LT) is linked to increased morbidity and mortality. LCPT offers a particular extended-release formulation, potentially improving the concentration-dose (C/D) ratio and renal outcomes. This study investigated the impact of switching from standard-release Tacrolimus (SR-Tac) to LCPT on C/D ratio and renal function.

170 adult LT recipients (August 2008-March 2020) treated with tacrolimus for at least two years were included. In this single-center, retrospective analysis, 63 patients converted to LCPT, while 107 patients continued on SR-Tac. Clinical data were collected every three months over 24 months.

At baseline, median C/D ratios were similar between groups (p = 0.553), the LCPT group showed significantly higher C/D ratios compared to SR-Tac during both the first (p = 0.003) and second year (p = 0.004). While LCPT-treated patients showed an increased mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), the SR-Tac group exhibited a progressive decline at each follow-up (mean decline: -5.4 mL/min/1.73m² at 24 months, p<0.001). Logistic regression identified switch to LCPT (p<0.001), female sex (p = 0.043), and baseline eGFR (p = 0.038) as significant predictors of eGFR change.

Conversion to LCPT may improve renal function in LT recipients over two years, suggesting potential long-term nephroprotection without compromising graft function.