Basiliximab or antithymocyte globulin for induction therapy in kidney transplantation: a meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVE
To compare efficacy and safety of basiliximab versus antithymocyte globulin (ATG) for induction therapy in kidney transplantation.


METHODS
A literature search of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, CBMdisc, and Cochrane databases was used to identify randomized controlled trials that compared basiliximab and ATG for induction therapy in kidney transplantation. Inclusion criteria comprised: prospective randomized controlled clinical trials, follow-up time >or=12 months, randomized comparisons of ATG versus basiliximab as induction therapy in kidney transplantation. Meta-analytical techniques were applied to identify differences in outcomes between the two agents.


RESULTS
A total of six studies involving 853 patients were identified. No differences between ATG and basiliximab were seen in terms of biopsy-proven rejection (relative risk [RR] 1.15, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.88-1.52, P = .31), delayed graft function (RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.69-1.51, P = .93), graft loss (RR 1.15, 95% CI 0.73-1.80, P = .55), and patient death (RR 1.22, 95% CI 0.65-2.30, P = .54). But basiliximab had a lower incidence of infection (RR 0.87, 95% CI 0.78-0.97, P = .02) and neoplasm (RR 0.29, 95% CI 0.09-0.97, P = .04).


CONCLUSIONS
Basiliximab is as effective as ATG for induction therapy in kidney transplantation, whereas basiliximab has a lower incidence of infection. Basiliximab may be a safer and preferable option for induction therapy in kidney transplantation.
Liu
Y
Y
Institute of Organ Transplantation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong, University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
Zhou
P
P
Han
M
M
Xue
C-B
CB
Hu
X-P
XP
Li
C
C
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000961:Antilymphocyte Serum / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000077552:Basiliximab; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007239:Infections / Q000453:epidemiology; D016030:Kidney Transplantation / Q000276:immunology* / Q000502:physiology; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology; D016017:Odds Ratio; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012306:Risk; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000961:Antilymphocyte Serum; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins; D000077552:Basiliximab