Authors' objectives: The calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) tacrolimus and cyclosporine A (CsA) are effective immunosuppressive agents for renal transplantation, but they must be managed carefully to avoid toxicity. Routine therapeutic monitoring guides dosing, but uncertainty surrounds different monitoring methods and timepoints. Additionally, the effectiveness of strategies to reduce CNI exposure with lower therapeutic levels and other imunosuppressants is unclear. This systematic review evaluates the evidence for three Key Questions. Key Question 1 compares immunoassay analysis with liquid chromatographic or mass spectrometric analytical techniques for therapeutic monitoring of CNIs. Key Question 2 examines CsA monitoring timepoints. Key Question 3 evaluates alternatives to full-dose CNI regimens.

Authors' recommendations: Most studies of CNI monitoring do not directly compare strategies or assess clinical validity or utility, and are insufficient to evaluate clinical outcomes. Few studies compare 2-hour with trough monitoring of CsA, and current evidence is insufficient to suggest a superior approach. Many studies suggest that early initiation of low-dose CNIs results in improved renal function and reduced risk of harm. Strategies that employ conversion from CNIs to mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) inhibitors are associated with improved renal function. Regimens that withdraw CNIs are not associated with improved renal function and may increase the risk of acute rejection. Avoidance strategies based on de novo use of alternative immunosuppressive drugs are not widely studied.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2016

URL for published report: https://www.effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/ehc/products/579/2193/calcineurin-inhibitor-report-160315.pdf

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: United States

Organisation Name: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

Contact Address: Center for Outcomes and Evidence Technology Assessment Program, 540 Gaither Road, Rockville, MD 20850, USA. Tel: +1 301 427 1610; Fax: +1 301 427 1639;

Contact Name: martin.erlichman@ahrq.hhs.gov

Contact Email: martin.erlichman@ahrq.hhs.gov

Copyright: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)