The Role of Basiliximab Induction Therapy in Adult-to-Adult Living-Related Transplantation and Deceased Donor Liver Transplantation: A Comparative Retrospective Analysis of a Single-Center Series

Abstract

Aim The aim of this study was to report our single-center experience with the use of basiliximab, in combination with a steroid and tacrolimus–based regimen in adult to adult living-related liver transplantation (ALRLT) and in deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT). Materials and Methods Seventy-seven consecutive ALRLT recipients (group 1) and 244 DDLT recipients (group 2) were analyzed. All patients received 2 20-mg doses of basiliximab (days 0 and 4 after transplantation) followed by tacrolimus (0.15 mg/kg/d; 10–15 ng/mL target trough levels) and a dose regimen of steroids. Follow-up ranged from 4–1972 days after transplantation in group 1 and from 1–2741 days in group. Results In group 1, 89.32% of the patients remained rejection-free during follow-up, with an actuarial rejection-free probability of 93.51% within 3 months. Actuarial patient survival rate at 3 years was 84.49%. In group 2, 86.07% of the patients remained rejection-free during follow-up, with an actuarial rejection-free probability of 93.04% within 3 months. Actuarial patient survival rate at 3 years was 87.69%. We observed 14 cases of hepatitis C virus (HCV) recurrence in group 1 (prevalence of 26.92%) and 80 cases in group 2 (prevalence of 54.05%). Conclusion Basiliximab in association with tacrolimus and steroids is effective in reducing episodes of acute cellular rejection (ACR) and increasing ACR-free survival after ALRLT and DDLT. No difference in patient and graft survival was found between group 1 and 2, nor was there any difference in the incidence of ACR between the 2 groups. However, less risk of HCV recurrence was present in the LRLT group.