Survival benefit of induction immunosuppression in cystic fibrosis lung transplant recipients

Abstract

BackgroundDespite resistant microbes, induction immunosuppression is used in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) undergoing lung transplantation (LTx). MethodsTo evaluate the effect of induction immunosuppression on survival, the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) was queried restricting analysis to transplant patients 6–55years old from 2001 to 2012, who received induction agents (INDUCED) or did not (NONE). ResultsA total of 1721 CF patients who underwent LTx were included in the analysis; of these 791 (46%) were INDUCED. Of the INDUCED patients, 65% received basiliximab, 10% alemtuzumab, and 25% thymoglobulin/anti-lymphocyte globulin/anti-thymocyte globulin. Mean age was 28.0years (SD=9.7) and 28.5 (SD=9.5) for the INDUCED and NONE groups, respectively. The median survival in the INDUCED group was 93.8months (95% CI: 73.8, --) compared to 61.8months (95% CI: 55.8–73.8) for the NONE group (log rank p-value <0.001). ConclusionsAntibody-based induction immunosuppression had a survival benefit in CF patients undergoing LTx.