Figure 2a. Change in FVC with tacrolimus
Change in forced vital capacity (FVC) from baseline PFTs to those at follow-up 4–13 months after tacrolimus start. Mean baseline FVC was 59.4% ± 17.4 with a mean improvement of 7.4% ± 12.5 (p = 0.06).
Figure 2b. Change in DLCO with tacrolimus
Change in diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) percent predicted from baseline PFTs to those at follow-up 4–13 months after tacrolimus start. Mean baseline DLCO was 47.4% ± 13.6 with a mean improvement of 10.0% ± 17.0 (p = 0.02).
Figure 2c. Change in prednisone dose with tacrolimus
Change in prednisone dose (mg) from the clinic visit nearest the baseline PFTs to the visit nearest follow-up PFTs 4–13 months after tacrolimus start. Mean average decrease in prednisone dose at follow-up was 20.3 ± 25.2 (p=0.02).
Of note, patient 4’s increase in prednisone dose is a result of comparing dosages from the clinic visit nearest baseline and follow-up PFTs. His baseline PFT was performed two months before tacrolimus initiation, and his clinical course necessitated an increase in prednisone to 40 mg by the time of tacrolimus initiation.