Use of Simulect Can Reduce the Incidence of Acute Rejection and Demonstrates with Superior 3-Year Patient and Graft Survival Rates in Renal Transplantation
Resource
TRANSPLANTATION PROCEEDINGS v.36 n.7 pp.2108-2109
Journal
TRANSPLANTATION PROCEEDINGS
Journal Volume
v.36
Journal Issue
n.7
Pages
2108-2109
Date Issued
2004
Date
2004
Author(s)
CHU, SHENG-HSIEN
CHIANG, YANG-JEN
LEE, PO-HUANG
HU, REY-HENG
LAI, MING-KUEN
CHUEH, SHIH-CHIEH
TSAI, MENG-KUNG
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Acute rejection is a major cause of graft loss in renal transplantation. Because the highest risk for acute rejection is in the first month posttransplantation, improved prophylaxis could be most beneficial in this period . Simulect administration provides 30 to 45 days of immunoprophylaxis against acute rejection during the critical period after transplantation. OBJECTIVES: We sought to assess the incidence of acute rejection episodes and the safety and tolerability of Simulect plus Neoral immunosuppression. Patient and graft survival rates up to 3 years posttransplantation were evaluated. METHOD: Forty-one transplant recipients received Simulect by intravenous infusion of an initial 20-mg dose on the day of renal transplantation and a second 20-mg dose on day 4 posttransplant. All renal recipients received immunosuppression with Neoral and steroid. RESULTS: There were eight cases (19.5%) of acute rejection within 1 year. The rejection episodes were easily reversed with steroid pulse therapy in seven patients except for graft loss. The 1 -, 2- , and 3-year graft survival rates were 95%, 93%, and 88 %, respectively. Overall, the 3-year patient survival rate was 100%. CONCLUSIONS: Simulect in combination with Neoral and steroid-reduced the incidence of acute rejection without an increase in adverse events. The low incidence and severity of acute rejection may have led to the superior 3- year patient and graft survival rates in renal transplantation.
Type
journal article