Sirolimus steady‐state trough concentrations are not affected by bolus methylprednisolone therapy in renal allograft recipients

Aims  To determine whether bolus doses of methylprednisolone affect the steady‐state trough concentrations of sirolimus.

Methods  Fourteen renal transplant recipients received concentration‐controlled sirolimus therapy in combination with azathioprine and steroids (n=8) or mycophenolate mofetil and steroids (n=6). Bolus doses of methylprednisolone (mean total dose over 1–5 days, 1694 mg; range, 500–3000 mg) were given for the treatment of acute rejection. For each patient, the sirolimus dose (mean, 24.1 mg; range, 3.3–52.5 mg) was the same before and during methylprednisolone therapy.

Results  Mean sirolimus whole blood trough concentrations before and after treatment with methylprednisolone were 28.8 ng ml⁻¹ (range, 13.9–45.3 ng ml⁻¹), and 28.5 ng ml⁻¹ (range, 13.0–47.9 ng ml⁻¹), respectively (P=0.85; 95% confidence interval on the difference −3.3, 4.0 ng ml⁻¹).

Conclusions  Bolus methylprednisolone treatment does not affect steady‐state sirolimus trough concentrations.

DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2125.2002.01594.x

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