[Antilymphocyte serum, cyclosporine and corticoids, versus OKT3, cyclosporine, and corticoids in kidney transplantation]

Abstract

The use of the antilymphoblast globulin (ALG) or OKT3 associated with cyclosporine (CyA) and steroids has been useful in kidney cadaveric transplantation. 101 patients who received their first cadaveric renal transplant were randomized according to the immunosuppression used. Group A (n = 53): horse ALG 15 mg/kg just before transplant surgery; ALG 12 mg/kg on the first day after transplant followed by 4 doses of 10 mg/kg on alternate days; Cya p.o 8 mg/kg/d; prednisone 0.25 mg/kg/d. Group B (n = 48): OKT3 5 mg just before transplant followed by 4 doses of 5 mg/d.; CyA and prednisone were administered using the same schedule as group A.

Results: the incidence of rejection during the first 3 months was: group A: 13 percent, group B: 17 percent (NS). The probability of being free of acute rejection (Kaplan-Meier) 24 months after transplant was 89 percent in group A and 79 percent in group B (NS). The day of onset of the first acute rejection episode was 25 +/- 20 days after transplant in group A, and 17 +/- 10 day in group B (NS). Incidence of tubular necrosis: group A 21 percent, group B 19 percent (NS).