Simulect Versus ATG in Sensitized Renal Transplant Patient

Acute rejection after kidney transplantation can lead to graft loss by irreversible acute rejection or to interstitial fibrosis/ tubular atrophy that can induce graft loss. Induction therapy by either T-cell depleting polyclonal antibodies such as Anti-Thymocyte Globulins (ATG) or non-depleting anti-interleukine 2 receptor monoclonal antibodies (anti-CD25 moAb: basiliximab or daclizumab) are used to prevent acute rejection, especially in highly sensitized patients. Both induction therapy regimens have a different tolerance profile. Infections and haematological side-effects are more frequently reported in patients receiving ATG. With respect to the efficacy, no comparison exists between both induction therapy regimens in high risk immunological patients as actually defined. Within the last few years, the development of new immunological screening tools, i.e. Luminex assay, had lead to a better evaluation of the immunological status of candidates for kidney transplantation, mainly those who were considered as highly sensitized. The aim of our pilot study is to evaluate ATG and basiliximab induction therapy in de novo sensitized kidney-transplant patients (incompatible grafts rate ≥ 50%) without Donor Specific Antibodies (DSAs) detected by Luminex. Maintenance immunosuppressive regimen will be based on the combination of tacrolimus, mycophenolate sodium and steroids. The primary endpoint is a composite of biopsy-proven acute rejection, graft loss, loss of follow up, or death at 6 months post-transplant. The secondary endpoints are the efficacy of the therapy at month 12 posttransplant, and safety parameters (CMV infection, BK virus nephropathy, haematological tolerance, Adverse Events (AE)and Serious Adverse Events (SAE)). Our hypothesis is that basiliximab induction therapy may be sufficiently effective to prevent acute rejection in sensitized patients without DSA. This may reduce the post-transplant immunosuppression-induced side-effects.