Figure 1.

Immunosuppressive protocol after liver transplantation. The basic immunosuppressive regimen comprised tacrolimus (TAC) and methylprednisolone (MPL), with doses gradually being tapered off. The trough whole blood levels of TAC were maintained between 8 and 15 ng/mL in the first few postoperative weeks and between 5 and 10 ng/mL thereafter (a). Renal insufficiency (RI) group received CNI-sparing immunosuppressive regimen (CSR) consisting of TAC reduction and concomitant use of mycophenolat mofetil (MMF) (b).