Abstract:
Objective To investigate the therapeutic methods of hyperpotassemia induced by excessively high blood concentration of tacrolimus (FK506) caused by drug use after renal transplantation.
Methods Clinical data of 10 patients diagnosed with hyperpotassemia induced by excessively high blood concentration of FK506 after administration of antifungal medication following renal transplantation were collected and retrospectively analyzed.
Results At 1-2 months after renal transplantation, 10 patients suffered from pulmonary infection or pneumonia complicated with pulmonary fungal infection. An appropriate dose of compound sulfamethoxazole, micafungin, cefoperazone sodium-sulbactam sodium and moxifloxacin was administered for antifungal infection. After potassium-lowering therapy, termination of antifungal medication and FK506 dose adjustment (replaced by cyclosporin for certain cases), the serum level of potassium was declined and maintained within normal range for 10 cases. The serum concentration of FK506 was within normal range. No sign of excessively high level of potassium was observed without any potassium-lowering intervention.
Conclusions Postoperative administration of drugs is likely to cause excessively high level of FK506 and hyperpotassemia. Potassium-lowering therapy, termination of drug use and adjustment of immunosuppressive agents should be adopted to avoid the incidence of adverse pharmacologic interaction.