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Abstract: PO2348

Safety and Efficacy of Low-Dose Rabbit Antithymocyte Globulin in Pediatric Renal Transplant Recipients

Session Information

Category: Pediatric Nephrology

  • 1700 Pediatric Nephrology

Authors

  • Sigurjonsdottir, Vaka Kristin, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States
  • Grimm, Paul C., Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States
  • Chaudhuri, Abanti, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States
Background

Currently there is no consensus among pediatric kidney transplant centers regarding the use and regimen for immunosuppressive induction therapy.The safety and effectiveness of reduced Rabbit Antithymocyte Globulin (ATG) ≤ 3.5 mg/kg cumulative dosing as induction therapy in low risk pediatric kidney transplant recipients is unknown.

Methods

Pediatric renal transplant recipients transplanted 1/1/2013-5/1/2018 were considered for inclusion. Recipients of deceased or living donor organs and with least 12-month follow-up were included. “High risk”was defined by a repeat transplant, preformed donor specific antibodies (DSAs), peak panel-reactive antibodies >20%, or African-American race. Maintenance immunosuppression protocol was tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil, steroid free unless high risk. Outcomes were de novo DSA (dnDSA) formation, graft survival , biopsy proved rejection (BPR) and EBV/CMV/BK viremia/infection during the first 12 months. DSAs were routinely screened at 3,6 and 12 months. Protocol biopsies were done at 6 and 12 months and graded with Banff criteria. Subclinical/borderline findings were included with or without treatment. Additional DSA testing and/or biopsies were done if there was a clinical concern. Group 1: low risk patients, ATG dose of ≤ 3.5 mg/kg, Group 2: low risk patients receiving dose of >3.5 mg/kg and Group 3: high risk patients

Results

A total of 181 patients met inclusion criteria. Age of patients was 11 years (11 mo-21 y),(median, range), 21% received a living donor transplant and 49% were female. Graft survival and dnDSA formation did not differ significantly between the three treatment groups. Graft loss at 12 months was a rare event with 99.5% graft survival and patient survival was 100%. Patients outcomes based on groups is shown in the table.

Conclusion

Reduced ATG dosing (≤ 3.5 mg/kg) when compared with higher dosing (>3.5 mg/kg) is safe and effective. Reduced ATG dose was associated with lower rates of BK viremia and BK nephropathy without increasing risk of dnDSA or BPR

Funding

  • Private Foundation Support