The impact of conversion from prograf to generic tacrolimus in liver and kidney transplant recipients with stable graft function

Bioequivalence of the recently available generic tacrolimus formulation, manufactured by Sandoz, to the reference product (Prograf; Astellas Pharma, Tokyo, Japan) has been demonstrated in healthy subjects. However, the safety and efficacy of substitution with generic tacrolimus in transplant patients have not been evaluated. Tacrolimus trough concentrations and indices of liver and kidney function were recorded before and after generic substitution in 48 liver and 55 kidney transplant recipients. In liver transplant patients, the mean tacrolimus concentration/dose (C/D) ratio (± SD) was 184.1 (± 123.2) ([ng/mL]/[mg/kg/day]) for the reference product and 154.7 (± 87.8) ([ng/mL]/[mg/kg/day]) for the generic product (p < 0.05). The mean C/D-ratios in kidney transplant patients were 125.3 (± 92.7) and 110.4 (± 79.2) ([ng/mL]/[mg/kg/day]) for the reference and generic products, respectively (p < 0.05). Actual trough concentrations declined by an average of 1.98 ng/mL in liver and 0.87 ng/mL in kidney transplant patients following the switch, after accounting for all significant covariates. No change was observed in biochemical indices of liver or kidney function and no cases of acute rejection occurred following the substitution. These results suggest that transplant patients currently taking the reference tacrolimus formulation may be safely switched to the Sandoz-generic product provided trough concentrations are closely monitored following the substitution.

Promotion of self-directed learning using virtual patient cases

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effectiveness of virtual patient cases to promote self-directed learning (SDL) in a required advanced therapeutics course.

DESIGN

Virtual patient software based on a branched-narrative decision-making model was used to create complex patient case simulations to replace lecture-based instruction. Within each simulation, students used SDL principles to learn course objectives, apply their knowledge through clinical recommendations, and assess their progress through patient outcomes and faculty feedback linked to their individual decisions. Group discussions followed each virtual patient case to provide further interpretation, clarification, and clinical perspective.

ASSESSMENTS

Students found the simulated patient cases to be organized (90%), enjoyable (82%), intellectually challenging (97%), and valuable to their understanding of course content (91%). Students further indicated that completion of the virtual patient cases prior to class permitted better use of class time (78%) and promoted SDL (84%). When assessment questions regarding material on postoperative nausea and vomiting were compared, no difference in scores were found between the students who attended the lecture on the material in 2011 (control group) and those who completed the virtual patient case on the material in 2012 (intervention group).

CONCLUSION

Completion of virtual patient cases, designed to replace lectures and promote SDL, was overwhelmingly supported by students and proved to be as effective as traditional teaching methods.

Tacrolimus and Lopinavir/Ritonavir Interaction in Liver Transplantation

OBJECTIVE

To report an interaction between tacrolimus and the protease inhibitor combination lopinavir/ritonavir in a liver transplant patient.

CASE SUMMARY

A 48-year-old white male liver transplant recipient receiving tacrolimus 5 mg twice daily for immunosuppression started highly active antiretroviral therapy for his HIV-positive status. Three days after initiation of lopinavir/ritonavir, the tacrolimus concentration rose sharply to toxic levels. Subsequent tacrolimus doses were withheld until tacrolimus concentrations normalized over 15 days. The tacrolimus dose was reestablished at a much lower dose, 0.5 mg once weekly. An objective causality assessment revealed that the adverse event was highly probable.

DISCUSSION

Tacrolimus is metabolized in the liver via CYP3A4. Protease inhibitors are known to inhibit CYP3A4 and have been documented to increase tacrolimus concentrations, putting the patient at risk of developing nephrotoxic and/or neurotoxic symptoms. In this case, concomitant use of lopinavir/ritonavir caused tacrolimus concentrations to rise more dramatically than had been previously reported in the literature for other protease inhibitors.

CONCLUSIONS

Extreme caution must be used when administering tacrolimus concomitantly with lopinavir/ritonavir. Therapeutic concentrations of tacrolimus can be maintained with tacrolimus doses that are far below standard dosages.

Patient simulation software to augment an advanced pharmaceutics course

OBJECTIVE

To implement and assess the effectiveness of adding a pharmaceutical care simulation program to an advanced therapeutics course.

DESIGN

PharmaCAL (University of Pittsburgh), a software program that uses a branched-outcome decision making model, was used to create patient simulations to augment lectures given in the course. In each simulation, students were presented with a challenge, given choices, and then provided with consequences specific to their choices.

ASSESSMENTS

A survey was administered at the end of the course and students indicated the simulations were enjoyable (92%), easy to use (90%), stimulated interest in critically ill patients (82%), and allowed for application of lecture material (91%). A 5-item presimulation and postsimulation test on the anemia simulation was administered to assess learning. Students answered significantly more questions correctly on the postsimulation test than on the presimulation test (p < 0.001). Seventy-eight percent of students answered the same 5 questions correctly on the final examination.

CONCLUSION

Patient simulation software that used a branched-outcome decision model was an effective supplement to class lectures in an advanced pharmaceutics course and was well-received by pharmacy students.

Adverse effects of immunosuppression in pediatric solid organ transplantation

Solid organ transplantation is a life-saving treatment for end-stage organ failure in children. Immunosuppressant medications are used to prevent rejection of the organ transplant. However, these medications are associated with significant adverse effects that impact growth and development, quality of life (QOL), and sometimes long-term survival after transplantation. Adverse effects can differ between the immunosuppressants, but many result from the overall state of immunosuppression. Strategies to manage immunosuppressant adverse effects often involve minimizing exposure to the drugs while balancing the risk for rejection. Early recognition of immunosuppressant adverse effects may help to reduce morbidities associated with solid organ transplantation, improve QOL, and possibly increase overall patient survival.

Colesevelam: Potential Uses for the Newest Bile Resin

Colesevelam is the newest bile resin with a unique chemical structure. It binds to bile acids with higher affinity than traditional bile acid sequestrants and has fewer gastrointestinal side effects and drug interactions. Colesevelam is safe and efficacious alone or in combination with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) in reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. Despite this, the role of colesevelam in the treatment of hyperlipidemia remains limited, particularly in the face of new lipid lowering agents. As guidelines for cholesterol control become more stringent, the need to maximize therapeutic benefit through combination therapy will become increasingly more important. Colesevelam has a dose-sparing effect on statin therapy, potentially decreasing the risk of unwanted side effects or drug-drug interactions associated with statin use. This makes colesevelam a viable option for addition to a statin regimen when goal LDL-C levels cannot be achieved with a statin alone. Additionally, anecdotal reports indicate that colesevelam may have potential benefits in certain patient populations that cannot tolerate other lipid lowering therapies, including organ transplant recipients, cholestatic liver disesase, and end-stage renal disease. By recognizing the potential utility of colesevelam, clinicians can better manage those patients who are not able to tolerate first-line therapies.

Elevated tacrolimus levels associated with intravenous azithromycin and ceftriaxone: a case report

Drug interactions are a common occurrence with calcineurin inhibitors. We describe the case of a heart transplant recipient who developed increased tacrolimus blood levels after the administration of intravenous azithromycin and ceftriaxone. Tacrolimus levels decreased after the discontinuation of ceftriaxone and switch from intravenous to oral azithromycin. Transplant recipients who receive intravenous azithromycin and/or ceftriaxone concomitantly with tacrolimus therapy should be monitored closely for the duration of the antibiotic administration.

A critical appraisal of and recommendations for faculty development

The 2009-2010 American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) Council of Faculties Faculty Affairs Committee reviewed published literature assessing the scope and outcomes of faculty development for tenure and promotion. Relevant articles were identified via a PubMed search, review of pharmacy education journals, and identification of position papers from major healthcare professions academic organizations. While programs intended to enhance faculty development were described by some healthcare professions, relatively little specific to pharmacy has been published and none of the healthcare professions have adequately evaluated the impact of various faculty-development programs on associated outcomes.The paucity of published information strongly suggests a lack of outcomes-oriented faculty-development programs in colleges and schools of pharmacy. Substantial steps are required toward the development and scholarly evaluation of faculty-development programs. As these programs are developed and assessed, evaluations must encompass all faculty subgroups, including tenure- and nontenure track faculty members, volunteer faculty members, women, and underrepresented minorities. This paper proposes AACP, college and school, and department-level recommendations intended to ensure faculty success in achieving tenure and promotion.

Determination of cidofovir in human plasma after low dose drug administration using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

A sensitive and specific method for the determination of cidofovir (CDV) in human plasma using high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was developed and validated. Plasma samples were processed by a solid phase extraction (SPE) procedure using Varian SAX extraction cartridges prior to chromatography. The internal standard was (13)C5-Folic acid ((13)C5-FA). Chromatography was performed using a Luna C8(2) analytical column, 5 microm, 150 mm x 3.0 mm, using an isocratic elution with a mobile phase consisting of 43% methanol in water containing 12 mM ammonium acetate, at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min. The retention times of CDV and (13)C5-FA were 2.1 min and 1.9 min, respectively, with a total run time of 5 min. The analytes were detected by a Micromass Quattro Micro triple quadrupole mass spectrometer in positive electron spray ionization (ESI) mode using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). The extracted ions monitored following MRM transitions were m/z 280.0-->262.1 for CDV and m/z 447.0-->294.8 for (13)C5-FA (IS). The assay was linear over the range 20-1000 ng/mL. Accuracy (101.6-105.7%), intra-assay precision (4.1-5.4%), and inter-assay precision (5.6-6.8%) were within FDA limits. No significant variation in the concentration of CDV was observed with different sample storage conditions. This method is simple, adaptable to routine application, and allows easy and accurate measurement of CDV in human plasma.

Pharmacokinetics of low-dose cidofovir in kidney transplant recipients with BK virus infection

BACKGROUND

BK virus (BKV) infection in kidney transplant recipients is associated with progressive graft dysfunction and graft loss. Cidofovir, an antiviral agent with known nephrotoxicity, has been used in low doses to treat BKV infections. However, the systemic exposure and disposition of the low-dose cidofovir regimen are not known in kidney transplant recipients.

METHODS

We investigated the pharmacokinetics (PK) of low-dose cidofovir (0.24 - 0.62 mg/kg) both without and with oral probenecid in 9 transplant patients with persistent BK viremia without nephropathy in a crossover design.

RESULTS

The mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of the study participants was 46.2 mL/min/1.73 m(2) (range: 17-75 mL/min/1.73 m(2) ). The contribution of active renal secretion to cidofovir total body clearance was assessed by evaluating the effect of probenecid on cidofovir PK. Maximum cidofovir plasma concentrations, which averaged approximately 1 μg/mL, were significantly below the 36 μg/mL 50% effective concentration in vitro for cidofovir against BKV. The plasma concentration of cidofovir declined with an overall disposition half-life of 5.1 ± 3.5 and 5.3 ± 2.9 h in the absence and in the presence of probenecid, respectively (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Cidofovir clearance and eGFR were linearly related irrespective of probenecid administration (r(2) = 0.8 without probenecid; r(2) = 0.7 with probenecid). This relationship allows for the prediction of systemic cidofovir exposure in individual patients and may be utilized to evaluate exposure-response relationships to optimize the cidofovir dosing regimen for BKV infection.

Effect of Long-term Tacrolimus Immunosuppression on Renal Function in Liver Transplant Recipients

STUDY OBJECTIVES

To describe changes in renal function occurring after long-term treatment with tacrolimus in clinically stable liver transplant recipients, and to identify risk factors for a clinically significant decline in renal function in these patients.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study. Setting. University medical center. Patients. Four hundred thirty-two patients aged 18 years or older who underwent liver transplantation between January 1, 1996, and December 31, 2000, and received tacrolimus as part of their immunosuppressive treatment regimen.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Six hundred patients were identified from an electronic records review. Those who received multiorgan transplants, were not receiving their first liver transplant, or died during the hospitalization were excluded from the study. Outcomes measured were change in mean glomerular filtration rate (GFR) up to 5 years after transplantation, and proportion of patients with a decline in GFR of 30% or greater from baseline to the last recorded serum creatinine level. Covariates that affected this decline were identified using a logistic regression model. Patients were followed for a mean +/- SD of 3.7 +/- 2.0 years. Mean GFR showed a statistically significant decline from baseline to end of follow-up (67.7 +/- 25.6 vs 58.4 +/- 26.5 ml/min/1.73 m(2), p<0.001). The GFR declined by 30% or more in 154 (35.6%) patients. Increasing age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.03, p=0.020), female sex (OR = 1.92, p=0.006), higher baseline GFR (OR = 1.03, p<0.001), and diagnosis of diabetes mellitus (OR = 1.74, p=0.059) were identified as predictors of this outcome.

CONCLUSION

After the acute posttransplantation period, liver transplant recipients given long-term treatment with tacrolimus experienced only small changes in GFR over time. Patients with diabetes and women had the highest risk of experiencing a clinically significant decline in renal function.

Terbutaline for chronotropic support in heart transplantation

OBJECTIVE

To report the use of oral terbutaline for chronotropic support in a patient who had undergone heart transplantation.

CASE SUMMARY

A 54-year-old white man received a heart transplant secondary to ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy. His clinical course was uncomplicated until postoperative day 10, when he became hemodynamically compromised despite inotropic therapy (BP 88/53 mm Hg, mean HR 80 beats/min) secondary to stage IIIa rejection. Although a continuous intravenous infusion of dobutamine was maintained, therapy with oral terbutaline 2.5 mg every 6 hours was initiated. Because the patient remained bradycardic on postoperative day 11 (HR 64 beats/min; mean 75), terbutaline was titrated to a dosage of 5 mg every 8 hours. Subsequently, an improvement in the hemodynamic profile (BP 140/78 mm Hg, mean HR 91 beats/min) was noted. Treatment with terbutaline was continued for 13 days and was well tolerated.

DISCUSSION

As of February 11, 2004, this is the first case, to our knowledge, to describe the use of oral terbutaline therapy for chronotropic support in the setting of acute rejection after heart transplantation. Terbutaline is a beta2-adrenergic agonist that may mediate its effects via direct beta2-receptor stimulation, baroreceptor-mediated increases in sympathetic tone, or via presynaptic beta2-stimulation. Although isoproterenol has been the mainstay of therapy for chronotropic support in this setting, its availability has been an issue in recent years. Terbutaline, therefore, may represent a useful alternative for chronotropic support in the setting of heart transplantation.

CONCLUSIONS

Terbutaline therapy did not appear to be associated with any significant adverse effects and warrants further application and study in this setting.

Retrospective analysis of hyperlipidemia management in a transplant population

STUDY OBJECTIVES

To determine the prevalence of hyperlipidemia and the effectiveness of hyperlipidemia management in a large population of transplant recipients. A secondary objective was to assess the effect of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines on hyperlipidemia management compared with the effect from earlier guidelines.

DESIGN

Retrospective review of computerized records.

SETTING

University-affiliated transplantation center.

PATIENTS

Three thousand four hundred fourteen patients with liver, kidney, or pancreas transplants.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

To determine a diagnosis of hyperlipidemia and the effectiveness of treatment, we assessed the patients's lipid levels. Hyperlipidemia was defined as a total cholesterol level above 200 mg/dl and/or the use of antihyperlipidemic drugs. Of the 3414 patients in the study, 1638 (48%) had hyperlipidemia. Of these, 711 (43%) were receiving antihyperlipidemic drugs; 227 (32%) of the 711 patients had achieved the total cholesterol goal of 200 mg/dl or below. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) levels were available for 1953 (57%) patients. Of these, 537 patients were receiving cholesterol-lowering drugs, and 384 (72%) of the 537 patients achieved the LDL goal of less than 130 mg/dl.

CONCLUSION

Although NCEP guidelines recommend monitoring LDL, only slightly more than half of these transplant recipients were monitored. In addition, the patients identified as having hyperlipidemia were not effectively treated to lower their cholesterol levels. Clinicians must be aggressive in diagnosing, monitoring, and treating hyperlipidemia to decrease the rate of cardiovascular disease and to prolong patient survival after transplantation.

Using the Pharmacist Interaction Tracking Tool for Capturing Student-Patient Interactions in Direct and Simulated Patient Care Activities

Objective. To create and implement a standardized data collection tool for capturing student-patient interactions in direct and simulated patient care activities. Design. Faculty members and students determined key elements, design, and an implementation plan for the tool, which was to be used by students across professional years to quantify numbers and types of interactions with patients for tracking student progression toward achievement of curricular outcomes. Assessment. During the 2013-2014 academic year, 27 778 entries were completed, with 17 767 (64%) advanced pharmacy practice experiences, 7272 (26%) introductory pharmacy practice experiences, and 2739 (10%) simulation. Direct patient care interactions occurred with 11 090 patients and 10 983 providers, with 14 252 drug-related problems identified. Data was used by students for their professional portfolios, by administrators for curricular assessment, and to student impact on patient care. Conclusion. The PITT Form enabled the collection of data from actual and simulated patient care activities, allowed for curricular assessment of activities across years, and was used by individual students.

Changes in Student Performance and Confidence with a Standardized Patient and Standardized Colleague Interprofessional Activity

OBJECTIVE

To assess the impact of a standardized patient and standardized colleague interprofessional activity on student performance and perceived confidence in communicating with patients and physicians.

METHODS

Students in the third professional year were presented with a practice and final activity including a standardized patient interaction, SOAP note preparation, and standardized colleague interaction. Student performance was measured by assessment rubrics on practice and final activities. Students' perceived confidence was measured via presurvey and postsurvey.

RESULTS

Students performed significantly better from the practice to the final activity with regard to communicating with patients, SOAP note, and the overall activity with a mean difference (95% CI) of 9.2 (6.9-11.5), 3.6 (1.3-5.8), and 3.9 (2.0-5.7), respectively. There was a positive significant change from presurvey to postsurvey in students' confidence talking to patients and physicians on majority of questions.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that active learning and integrated assessments improve overall student performance. Integration of interprofessional education also has positive effects on students' perceived confidence.

Pharmacology of immunosuppressive medications in solid organ transplantation

The multitude of immunosuppressants available for solid organ transplantation allows for many combinations of immunosuppressive therapies that can be tailored to a patient’s specific lifestyle and immunosuppression needs. Newer agents currently being studied offer even more possibilities for the future to further reduce the incidence of acute rejection and prolong graft and patient survival.

Advances in Anemia Management in Chronic Kidney Disease

The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasing in the United States. Efforts to promote earlier intervention to screen for CKD and manage secondary complications are of paramount importance to improve overall care of this population. Anemia is a secondary complication of CKD that develops as kidney function declines. Historically, anemia management efforts have been primarily emphasized in patients with end-stage renal disease; however, early detection and treatment of anemia in the early stages of the disease are essential to prevent negative consequences of anemia such as reduced quality of life, left ventricular hypertrophy and mortality. With the increased prevalence of CKD and efforts focused on identifying this disorder early in its course, it is likely that more pharmacists will be involved in the management of CKD and secondary complications such as anemia. Treatment approaches must also be based on the more recently advocated guidelines from the National Kidney Foundation’s Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (NKF-K/DOQI). This article reviews therapeutic issues of anemia of CKD, new agents for management, and the NKF-K/DOQI anemia management guidelines from a clinical perspective that will assist pharmacists involved in the care of these patients.

Early risk factors for persistent anemia after kidney transplantation

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To identify predictors of persistent posttransplant anemia that appear within the first week after kidney transplantation in order to determine the high-risk patients who might receive the most benefit from erythropoiesis-stimulating agents.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

University-affiliated hospital and outpatient clinic.

PATIENTS

One hundred sixty-four adult kidney transplant recipients (January 1, 2002-June 30, 2007) with anemia on posttransplant day 7 who were followed at the clinic for at least 2 months after transplantation.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Data from deidentified electronic medical records of the kidney transplant recipients were collected and included demographic characteristics, primary cause of renal failure, pertinent laboratory data, and donor information. To detect early predictors of persistent anemia, patients with persistent posttransplant anemia, defined as a hemoglobin level below 11 g/dl for 2 months (day 60) after transplantation, were compared with those who had nonpersistent posttransplant anemia, defined as a hemoglobin level below 11 g/dl on day 7 but 11 g/dl or greater on day 60. Of the 164 patients classified as having anemia on posttransplant day 7, 39 (23.8%) had persistent posttransplant anemia on day 60. In univariate analyses, hemoglobin level of 9 g/dl or below on day 7, donor age younger than 10 years, and female sex were variables associated with increased risk of persistent posttransplant anemia. In a multivariate analysis, donor age younger than 10 years was the most significant predictor of persistent posttransplant anemia, followed by hemoglobin level of 9 g/dl or below.

CONCLUSION

Patients receiving transplants from donors younger than 10 years and those with hemoglobin levels of 9 g/dl or below on postoperative day 7 were found to be at highest risk for persistent posttransplant anemia and may receive the most benefit from early initiation of erythropoiesis-stimulating agent therapy. In most of the kidney transplant recipients, posttransplant anemia resolved without the use of these agents.

Early Conversion to Everolimus Within 180 Days of Living Donor Liver Transplantation

BACKGROUND

Early conversion to Everolimus (EVR) post deceased donor liver transplant has been associated with improved renal function but increased rejection. Early EVR conversion has not been evaluated after living donor liver transplant (LDLT). A retrospective cohort study was conducted to compare the rate of rejection and renal function in patients converted to EVR early post-LDLT to patients on calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs).

METHODS

This was a single center retrospective cohort study of adult LDLT recipients between January 2012 and July 2019. Patients converted to EVR within 180 days of transplant were compared to patients on CNIs. The primary endpoint was biopsy proven acute rejection (BPAR) at 24 months posttransplant. Key secondary endpoints included eGFR at 24 months, change in eGFR, adverse events, and all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

From a total of 173 patients involved in the study: 58 were included in the EVR group and 115 in the CNI group. Median conversion to EVR was 26 days post-LDLT. At 24 months, there was no difference in BPAR (22.7% EVR vs. 19.1% CNI, p = 0.63). Median eGFR at 24 months posttransplant was not significantly different (68.6 [24.8 to 112.4] mL/min EVR vs. 75.9 [35.6-116.2] mL/min CNI, p = 0.103). Change in eGFR from baseline was worse in the EVR group (-13.0 [-39.9 to 13.9] mL/min EVR vs. -5.0 [-31.2 to 21.2] mL/min CNI, p = 0.047). Median change from conversion to 24 months posttransplant (EVR group only) was -3.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 (-21.0 to 9.6).

CONCLUSIONS

Early EVR conversion was not associated with increased risk of rejection among LDLT recipients. Renal function was not impacted. EVR may be considered as an alternative after LDLT in patients intolerant of CNIs.