Background: Multiple clinical, demographic, and genetic factors affect the pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus in children, yet in daily practice, a uniform body-weight based starting dose is used. It can take weeks to reach the target tacrolimus pre-dose concentration.
Objectives: The objectives of this study were to determine the pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus immediately after kidney transplantation and to find relevant parameters for dose individualization using a population pharmacokinetic analysis.
Methods: A total of 722 blood samples were collected from 46 children treated with tacrolimus over the first 6 weeks after renal transplantation. Non-linear mixed-effects modeling (NONMEM®) was used to develop a population pharmacokinetic model and perform a covariate analysis. Simulations were performed to determine the optimal starting dose and to develop dosing guidelines.
Results: The data were accurately described by a two-compartment model with allometric scaling for bodyweight. Mean tacrolimus apparent clearance was 50.5 L/h, with an inter-patient variability of 25%. Higher bodyweight, lower estimated glomerular filtration rate, and higher hematocrit levels resulted in lower total tacrolimus clearance. Cytochrome P450 3A5 expressers and recipients who received a kidney from a deceased donor had a significantly higher tacrolimus clearance. The model was successfully externally validated. In total, these covariates explained 41% of the variability in clearance. From the significant covariates, the cytochrome P450 3A5 genotype, bodyweight, and donor type were useful to adjust the starting dose to reach the target pre-dose concentration. Dosing guidelines range from 0.27 to 1.33 mg/kg/day.
Conclusion: During the first 6 weeks after transplantation, the tacrolimus weight-normalized starting dose should be higher in pediatric kidney transplant recipients with a lower bodyweight, those who express the cytochrome P450 3A5 genotype, and those who receive a kidney from a deceased donor.