Thymoglobulin Induction Dosing Strategies in a Low-Risk Kidney Transplant Population: Three or Four Days?. (30th September 2010)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hardinger, Karen L.; Rasu, Rafia S.; Skelton, Rebecca; Miller, Brent W.; Brennan, Daniel C.
• Other Names: Randhawa P. S. Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Journal of transplantation. Volume 2010(2010)
• Publication Date: 2010-09-30
• Subjects: Transplantation of organs, tissues, etc -- Periodicals; 617.95405
• DOI: 10.1155/2010/957549
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-0007

Abstract

Abstract : The optimal dose and duration of rabbit antithymocyte globulin (rATG) induction has not been defined. Methods . We compared the safety and efficacy of 2 dosing strategies, rATG 1.5 mg/kg for 4 days (n = 59 ) versus 2 mg/kg for 3 days (n = 59 ), in a retrospective, cohort study. Results . Two-year rejection-free survival was 95% in each group (P = .983 ). Renal function and infection rates were similar. The incidence of leucopenia was similar, although the 2 mg/kg group was more likely to be thrombocytopenic on day 2 (4% versus 28%, P = .04 ). Length of stay tended to be longer for the 1.5 mg/kg group (6.0 ± 3.7 versus5.1 ± 1.9 daysP = .104 ). A cost savings of $920 per patient for rATG were seen in the 2 mg/kg group (P = .122 ). Conclusions . Shorter, more intense dosing of rATG is safe and effective. The 3-day dose strategy resulted in a clinically shorter length of stay and may result in cost savings.