Intra-patient variability (IPV) in tacrolimus is associated with premature graft loss. The rate of acute rejection episodes is higher in these patients, and acute rejection impacts negatively on graft survival. The prevalence of patients with high IPV is higher in African American patients (1-5). At the kidney transplant program of the University of Maryland, our investigators follow over 2.800 patients, with approximately 50% of the patients being of African American heritage, thus an ideal setting for the study.
Study Population: Kidney transplant recipients with stable renal function with regular follow-up at the University of Maryland post-transplant clinic with at least 3 levels deemed as appropriately 12-hour trough levels within 3-36 months post-transplant. Group 1 - patients with high IPV (designated as ≥ 30%). Group 2 - patients with normal IPV (\< 30%). Will assess risk of subclinical acute rejection in patients with high IPV compared to normal IPV. All tacrolimus 12 h trough levels in patients with stable allograft function at least 3 months post-transplant. Calculation of IPV: CV (%) = (SD/mean Tac trough concentration) x 100 (if stable total daily dose). To take into account dose changes, obtained levels will be corrected for the corresponding daily dose of tacrolimus to help correctly calculate IPV (CV C0/D-IPV) (6-7). Patients will be tested with TruGraf one time during the study.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Purpose
DIAGNOSTIC
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
13
To obtain longitudinal TruGraf testing in patients with stable creatinine, high and normal IPV in tacrolimus levels, between 3 and 18 months post-transplant at the University of Maryland post-transplant clinic.
University of Maryland Medical Center
Baltimore, Maryland, United States
TruGraf test validity on immunosuppression damage
The TruGraf test is a non-invasive blood test that measures molecular gene expression profiles associated with clinical conditions previously only diagnosed by biopsy in kidney transplant recipients. The results of the TruGraf test provide additional information about the adequacy of immunosuppression and may be used to support decisions in patient management.
Time frame: up to 18 months post-transplant
Renal function associated with premature graft loss
Utilization of TruGraf testing in patients with stable creatinine, high and normal intrapatient variability (IPV) in tacrolimus levels, between 3 and 18 months post-transplant. This information will aid in determining if local practices should be updated for patient care
Time frame: up to 18 months post-transplant
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