Influenza virus immunization effectivity in kidney transplant patients subjected to two different triple-drug therapy immunosuppression protocols: mycophenolate versus azathioprine.
BACKGROUND
Due to possible complications and treatment limitations, the prevention of influenza in renal transplant (RT) patients is highly indicated.


METHODS
Forty-nine patients with a 1-year functioning RT subjected to two different immunosuppressive regimens and 37 healthy relatives (HR) were administered the anti-influenza vaccine as recommended for 1996 to 1997. Anti-influenza antibody, creatinine, and immunological markers were estimated at 1 and 3 months after vaccination.


RESULTS
Three months after vaccination, 46.2% of the RT patients and 69% of the HR (P=0.06) showed protective antibody titers to influenza A (relative risk [RR]; 0.67; 95% confidence interval: 0.44-1.02). A total of 20.5% of the RT patients and 44.8% of the HR showed antibodies to influenza B (P=0.03). Despite these differences, the incidence of illness was similar. The immunosuppressive regimen had no effect on the antibody response.


CONCLUSIONS
Although the RT patients showed a reduced antibody response, no negative effects on graft outcome were observed.
Sanchez-Fructuoso
A I
AI
Servicio de Nefrología, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain. cfernand@hcsc.es
Prats
D
D
Naranjo
P
P
Fernández-Pérez
C
C
González
M J
MJ
Mariano
A
A
González
J
J
Figueredo
M A
MA
Martin
J M
JM
Paniagua
V
V
Fereres
J
J
Gómez de la Concha
E
E
Barrientos
A
A
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007165:Immunosuppression Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D009980:Influenza A virus / Q000276:immunology*; D007252:Influenza Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000276:immunology*; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016030:Kidney Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D007252:Influenza Vaccines