Low-dose Thymoglobulin vs Basiliximab Induction Therapy in Low-Risk Living Related Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Prospective Randomized Trial.

CONTEXT: Thymoglobulin is used effectively as induction agent in kidney transplantation but the optimal dose is not well established. OBJECTIVE: Demonstrate that low-dose thymoglobulin (3 mg/kg) has similar efficacy and safety compared to basiliximab induction in low-risk kidney transplantation under standard maintenance immunosuppression DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS: Prospective randomized study in kidney transplant patients (12/2016-05/2018). INCLUSION CRITERIA: Recipients > 18 years, first living donor transplant. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: Second and multiorgan transplant, ABO incompatibility, positive cross-match, panel reactive antibodies (PRA) > 30%, positive donor-specific antibody, human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis C virus positive, white blood cells < 2000 cells/mm3, platelets < 75,000 cells/mm3 and malignancy. INTERVENTION: Group A: basiliximab (20 mg D0 and D4). Group B: thymoglobulin (3 mg/kg total). Maintenance immunosuppression: tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and steroids. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Biopsy-proven acute rejection (BPAR), delayed graft function, slow graft function, leukopenia, infections, adverse events, graft loss, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and death within 12 months. RESULTS: 100 patients (basiliximab, n = 53) (thymoglobulin, n = 47) were included. Donor and recipient characteristics were similar except for longer dialysis (basiliximab), PRA class I (1.2% basiliximab, 4.5% thymoglobulin), HLA match (basiliximab 2.8, thymoglobulin 2.2), and cytomegalovirus status. BPAR rate was basiliximab 3.8% and thymoglobulin 6.4% (P = ns). Delayed graft function (basiliximab 3.8%; thymoglobulin 4.3%), slow graft function, and 12-month leukopenia (basiliximab 11.3%, thymoglobulin 21.3%) were similar between groups (P = ns). There was no difference in infections and adverse events between groups. Patient and graft survival were as follows: basiliximab 98.1% and 92.5%, thymoglobulin 100% and 93.6% (P = ns). CONCLUSION: Low-dose thymoglobulin induction (3 mg/kg) can be used effectively and safely in low-risk kidney transplantation with good results during the first year post-transplant.

Patient survival scale after kidney transplant from deceased donors in Veracruz, Mexico / Escala de sobrevida de pacientes después de trasplante renal de donantes fallecidos en Veracruz, México

Background: The Estimated Post Transplant Survival (EPTS) score is calculated based on age, the presence of diabetes mellitus, years on dialysis, and prior organ transplant. The EPTS score has been validated in other countries. Objective: To apply and assess the EPTS score in our population of deceased-donor kidney transplants. Materials and methods: Retrospective study of adult deceased-donor kidney transplants from January, 2003, to December, 2016. For the statistical analysis it was used Spearman's correlation, receiver-operator curves (ROC) and Kaplan-Meier curves. A p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: 176 adult deceased-donor kidney transplants were included. Medium age was 34.7 ± 11 years; 53.4% were men, 4% diabetics; mean dialysis time was 5.5 ± 3.9 years and 4% had a prior organ transplant. The medium of EPTS score was 16.3 ± 18.7 (1 94). Spearman's correlation was −0.394 (p = 0.0001). C value (ROC) was 0.64 ± 0.6 (95% CI, 0.52-0.75) (p = 0.011). Medium survival calculated with Kaplan-Meier in patients with an EPTS score < 20, was 10.2 ± 0.3 years (95% CI, 9.5-10.9) versus patients with EPTS score > 20: 7.03 ± 0.9 years (95% CI, 5.1-8.9) (p = 0.001). Each 20% increase of EPTS, patient survival time diminished (p = 0.0001). Conclusions: The EPTS score is a useful tool for establishing survival in adult Mexican recipients of deceased-donor kidney transplants.

Introducción: la escala de sobrevida estimada postrasplante (EPTS) se calcula a partir de la edad, la presencia de diabetes mellitus, el tiempo en diálisis y el trasplante previo. La EPTS ha sido previamente validada en otros sitios. Objetivo: aplicar y evaluar la escala EPTS en nuestra población de trasplantes de donante fallecido. Material y métodos: estudio retrospectivo de trasplantes renales de donantes adultos fallecidos, llevados a cabo entre enero de 2003 y diciembre de 2016. Para el análisis estadístico se utilizaron correlación de Spearman, curvas de ROC y Kaplan-Meier y se consideró significativa una p < 0.05. Resultados: se incluyeron 176 trasplantes de donantes adultos fallecidos; 53.4% fueron hombres, 4% diabéticos; la edad media fue de 34.7 ± 11 años; el tiempo medio en diálisis fue de 5.5 ± 3.9 años y 4% tuvo trasplante previo. La media de la escala EPTS fue de 16.3 ± 18.7 (rango 1-94). La correlación Spearman fue −0.394 (p = 0.0001). El valor C de la curva ROC fue de 0.64 ± 0.6 (IC 95% 0.52-0.75) (p = 0.011). La supervivencia media calculada con Kaplan-Meier en pacientes con EPTS < 20 fue 10.2 ± 0.3 años (IC 95% 9.5-10.9) frente a los pacientes con EPTS > 20: 7.03 ± 0.9 años (IC 95% 5.1-8.9) (p = 0.001). Por cada 20% que se incrementó la EPTS, la supervivencia del paciente fue menor (p = 0.0001). Conclusiones: la escala EPTS es una buena herramienta para establecer la supervivencia en pacientes adultos mexicanos receptores de trasplante renal de donante fallecido.