The Claim
In renal transplant recipients with stable graft function, serum tacrolimus trough levels above 5.9 ng/mL are associated with a 70% sensitivity and specificity for the presence of metabolic acidosis, indicating a dose-dependent tubular effect of tacrolimus independent of graft dysfunction.
What the research says
Supports is higher
Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
In kidney transplant patients with stable organ function, blood levels of tacrolimus above 5.9 ng/mL correlate with a 70% accuracy in identifying metabolic acidosis, suggesting that tacrolimus directly affects kidney tubules even when the transplant is working normally.
See the scientific wording
In renal transplant recipients with stable graft function, serum tacrolimus trough levels above 5.9 ng/mL are associated with a 70% sensitivity and specificity for the presence of metabolic acidosis, suggesting a potential dose-dependent tubular effect of this immunosuppressant even in the absence of graft dysfunction.
High levels of tacrolimus block a key enzyme in kidney cells that control acid removal, which stops those cells from pumping acid into urine. This causes acid to build up in the blood, leading to metabolic acidosis even when the kidney filters blood normally.
What the research says
1 studyStudy: Post-Renal Transplant Metabolic Acidosis: A Neglected Entity
In kidney transplant patients with healthy kidney function, doctors found that when the drug tacrolimus in the blood is above 5.9 ng/mL, it correctly predicts acid buildup in the blood about 70% of the time — even when the kidney is working fine.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.