Comparison of three immunosuppressive regimens in kidney transplantation: a single-centre randomised study

Abstract

Three immunosuppressive regimens have been compared: conventional treatment including anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) (32 patients) with cyclosporine (Cys) alone (21 patients), sequential combination of ATG with Cys (35 patients). Actuarial graft survivals were: ATG 73 per cent, Cys alone 88 per cent at nine months and ATG/Cys 92 per cent at one to two years. Transplant function was significantly worse with Cys as initial treatment compared with that in controls, while it was similar with ATG/Cys. The Cys dose used was low and no severe infection nor immunoglobulin abnormalities were noticed. Corticosteroids were withdrawn with both Cys protocols, except for rejection treatment.