ATG-FRESENIUS S BOLUS THERAPY IN PROPHYLAXIS AFTER RENAL TRANSPLANTATION - EARLY RESULTS

Abstract

317 Monoclonal or policlonal antilymphocyte antibodies have been successfully used in organ transplantation as induction therapy. Generally the medication is given for the first 7-10 days. The aim of this study was to asses the safety and efficacy of high single dose (9mg/kg) ATG Fresenius S given perioperatively to the kidney allograft recipients before revascularization. Eighty, adult first cadaveric kidney recipients were included into the study. Excluded from the trial were recipients of kidney from living donor, patients (pts) with chronic liver disease, trombocytopenia (<80000/mm3), leucopenia (<4000/mm3), gastrointestinal disorders, which could interfere with absorption of oral medications and patients with a history of malignancy. All pts received triple drug immunosuppresion (Neoral, steroids and Cellcept which was substituted by azathioprine after 4 months) and were randomised to receive ATG or not. During last twelve months 76 pts were so far randomised in two centres (centre A-64, centre B-12). The follow up period ranges from 1 month up to 1 year. (Table 1)Table 1Rejections till 120 day (till conversion to AZA) (Table 2)Table 2The preliminary results are very promising, the rejection rate in bolus group seems to be much lower than in control. No significant side effects and serious adverse event differences in both group were observed.