Continuous Antithymocyte Globulin (rATG) for Treatment of Renal Allograft Rejection: Preliminary Analysis of a Prospective, Randomized Trial.
Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX.
Meeting: 2016 American Transplant Congress
Abstract number: A162
Keywords: Antilymphocyte antibodies, Kidney transplantation, Length of stay, Rejection
Session Information
Session Name: Poster Session A: Kidney: Acute Cellular Rejection
Session Type: Poster Session
Date: Saturday, June 11, 2016
Session Time: 5:30pm-7:30pm
Presentation Time: 5:30pm-7:30pm
Location: Halls C&D
Intravenous (IV) rATG for acute rejection (AR) is primarily given on an inpatient basis due to its daily administration, IV access requirement, and monitoring. The purpose of this study is to evaluate a continuous dose (CD) rATG infusion to reduce inpatient length of stay (LOS). Methods: Patients requiring rATG for treatment of biopsy-proven cellular AR were randomized 1:1 to a 24 hour infusion of rATG 6 mg/kg or 4 standard daily doses (DD) of 1.5 mg/kg. Patients with concomitant antibody mediated rejection (AMR) were excluded. Results: To date 12 patients have been randomized, 7 to the CD group and 5 to the DD group. One CD patient who tolerated the infusion well was later diagnosed with AMR on the original biopsy. He required additional AMR therapies (plasma exchange, rituximab, and IVIG) and was therefore excluded from remaining analyses. Baseline characteristics and outcomes are shown below. One CD patient experienced nausea and vomiting requiring anti-emetics and discontinuation of rATG after 75% of the dose. One DD patient experienced chills, chest tightness and indigestion. No other infusion reactions were noted. Vitals were similar between groups except for higher peak systolic blood pressures in the CD group (164 vs. 143 mmHg). Total rATG dose was similar between groups, however CD patients had reduced LOS post-rATG initiation. 3/5 CD and 3/4 DD patients with post-treatment biopsies showed resolution of AR. Infections within 180 days occurred in 2/6 CD (BK and CMV) and 3/5 DD (BK, CMV, and bacteremia) patients.
Table 1. Baseline, Rejection, and Treatment Characteristics | ||
CD (n=6) | DD (n=5) | |
Age, years | 40±15 | 39±14 |
Race, n |
African American, 2 Hispanic, 3 White, 1 |
African American, 2 Hispanic, 1 White, 2 |
Male gender, n |
5 |
1 |
Deceased donor recipient, n |
5 |
2 |
Median peak PRA, % (IQR) | 17 (0-56) | 57 (0-94) |
Time transplant to AR episode, days | 900±743 | 458±455 |
Pre-rejection creatinine, mg/dL | 1.8±0.5 | 1.3±0.5 |
Rejection creatinine, mg/dL | 2.5±1.1 | 1.7±0.5 |
Rejection Banff grades, n | IA, 1
IB, 4 IIB, 1 |
IA, 1
IB, 2 IIA, 2 |
+DSAs pre-rejection, n | 2 | 1 |
Total rATG given, mg/kg | 5.8±1.1 | 5.8±0.7 |
Total steroid given, mg | 1375 | 1251 |
Mean LOS post rATG start date, days | 2.7±1.5 | 4±1.2 |
Median LOS post rATG start date, days (IQR) | 2 (1.75-4.25) | 4 (3-5) |
Conclusion: Preliminary experience suggests that continuous rATG for AR is feasible and reduces LOS.
CITATION INFORMATION: Patel S, Knight R, Kuten S, Nolte J, Gaber A. Continuous Antithymocyte Globulin (rATG) for Treatment of Renal Allograft Rejection: Preliminary Analysis of a Prospective, Randomized Trial. Am J Transplant. 2016;16 (suppl 3).
To cite this abstract in AMA style:
Patel S, Knight R, Kuten S, Nolte J, Gaber A. Continuous Antithymocyte Globulin (rATG) for Treatment of Renal Allograft Rejection: Preliminary Analysis of a Prospective, Randomized Trial. [abstract]. Am J Transplant. 2016; 16 (suppl 3). https://atcmeetingabstracts.com/abstract/continuous-antithymocyte-globulin-ratg-for-treatment-of-renal-allograft-rejection-preliminary-analysis-of-a-prospective-randomized-trial/. Accessed December 12, 2024.« Back to 2016 American Transplant Congress