Effect of Wuzhi capsules on cyclosporine A concentration in children with aplastic anemia immunotherapy: a single-center observational study

Objective This research aimed to assess the effect of Wuzhi capsules (WZC) on the blood concentration of cyclosporine A (CsA) in renal aplastic anemia recipients.Methods This observational study was carried out at the Hematology Oncology Center, Beijing Children's Hospital between November 2019 and February 2020. A total of 102 Chinese AA recipients receiving CsA (6 mg/kg/d) with or without WZC were included in this study. Baseline data, such as age, therapeutic drug monitoring data, and follow-up information were collected. The promotion concentration of CsA was calculated, and the pharmaceutical economics evaluation with combination of two drugs was also carried out.Results Dose- and body weight-adjusted trough concentrations (C0/D/W) of CsA in the WZC group were found to be significantly higher than that in the non-WZC group (P < 0.01). The average C0 of CsA increased by (63.27 ± 45.81) ng/mL. The incidence of adverse events was also not statistically significant between the two groups (P > 0.05).Conclusion WZC can increase CsA concentration without increasing adverse drug reactions. Efficient and convenient immunosuppressive effects on AA recipients can be achieved via immunosuppressant therapy in combination with WZC.