Influence of basiliximab induction therapy on long term outcome after liver transplantation, a prospectively randomised trial.
BACKGROUND
In OLT induction therapy with interleukin-2-receptor antibodies is often applied as part of the standard immunosuppression protocol. It was the aim of this study to determine if Basilixirnab mduction therapy serves to reduce the incidence of acute rejection episodes and improves graft function and survival in the long term after OLT.


METHODS
We prospectively analysed 99 patients transplanted at our institution (1997-2000). Patients were randomised to two study groups: 51 patients received Basiliximab induction combined with Calcineurin inhibitors and steroids, 48 patients received CNIs and steroids only. Incidence and severity of rejection, graft and patient survival and intensity of long-term immunosuppression were analysed. Frequency of CNI and steroid induced adverse effects were recorded.


RESULTS
In our patient collective we could not detect a significant impact of Basiliximab induction therapy on the fre queny of acute or chronic rejection. CNI levels were almost identical in both groups; graft and patient survival rates were not influenced by the application of induction therapy.


CONCLUSIONS
In our patient collective induction therapy does not have a general positive influence on the post transplant course. A slight improvement in long term renal function could be detected for Basiliximab treated patients.
Schmeding
Maximilian
M
Department of General and Transplantation Surgery, Charité Campus Virchow Klinikum, Berlin, Germany. maximilian.schmeding@charite.de
Sauer
Igor M
IM
Kiessling
Anja
A
Pratschke
Johann
J
Neuhaus
Ruth
R
Neuhaus
Peter
P
Neumann
Ulf P
UP
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000077552:Basiliximab; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006085:Graft Survival; D006801:Humans; D007165:Immunosuppression Therapy; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017093:Liver Failure / Q000601:surgery*; D016031:Liver Transplantation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins; D000077552:Basiliximab