The role of basiliximab induction therapy in adult-to-adult living-related transplantation and deceased donor liver transplantation: a comparative retrospective analysis of a single-center series

Transplant Proc. 2008 Jul-Aug;40(6):1953-5. doi: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2008.05.062.

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to report our single-center experience with the use of basiliximab, in combination with a steroid and tacrolimus-based regimen in adult to adult living-related liver transplantation (ALRLT) and in deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT).

Materials and methods: Seventy-seven consecutive ALRLT recipients (group 1) and 244 DDLT recipients (group 2) were analyzed. All patients received 2 20-mg doses of basiliximab (days 0 and 4 after transplantation) followed by tacrolimus (0.15 mg/kg/d; 10-15 ng/mL target trough levels) and a dose regimen of steroids. Follow-up ranged from 4-1972 days after transplantation in group 1 and from 1-2741 days in group.

Results: In group 1, 89.32% of the patients remained rejection-free during follow-up, with an actuarial rejection-free probability of 93.51% within 3 months. Actuarial patient survival rate at 3 years was 84.49%. In group 2, 86.07% of the patients remained rejection-free during follow-up, with an actuarial rejection-free probability of 93.04% within 3 months. Actuarial patient survival rate at 3 years was 87.69%. We observed 14 cases of hepatitis C virus (HCV) recurrence in group 1 (prevalence of 26.92%) and 80 cases in group 2 (prevalence of 54.05%).

Conclusion: Basiliximab in association with tacrolimus and steroids is effective in reducing episodes of acute cellular rejection (ACR) and increasing ACR-free survival after ALRLT and DDLT. No difference in patient and graft survival was found between group 1 and 2, nor was there any difference in the incidence of ACR between the 2 groups. However, less risk of HCV recurrence was present in the LRLT group.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
  • Basiliximab
  • Cadaver
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Family
  • Graft Rejection / prevention & control
  • Graft Survival
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Liver Transplantation / immunology*
  • Living Donors*
  • Probability
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / therapeutic use*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Survival Analysis
  • Tacrolimus / therapeutic use
  • Tissue Donors

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins
  • Basiliximab
  • Tacrolimus