Thymoglobulin as induction treatment in kidney transplantants with low immunological risk: a Moroccan experience

Thymoglobulin® is a polyclonal antibody indicated for induction treatment in kidney transplantation. The purpose of this study is to estimate the effectiveness of Thymoglobulin® as induction treatment in kidney transplant patients with low immune risk. we conducted a retrospective study between January 2012 and September 2017. Patients with low immunological risk, defined as the absence of previous transplantation and donor-specific antibodies (DSA), were included and received Thymoglobulin® induction therapy. Demographic and clinical characteristics, biological parameters and post-renal transplant complications were studied. we enrolled 55 kidney transplant patients with an average follow-up period of 38 ± 16 months. The average age of patients was 39,1 ± 12,1 years with a male predominance (58.2%). No patient had DSA prior to transplant. Cumulative dose of Thymoglobulin® was 4,26 ± 0,87 mg/kg, with an average duration of 5 ± 0,82 days. Lymphocyte depletion was maximal on the first day of infusion. Three patients had delayed graft function, at least one episode of bacterial infection in 56,4% of patients, 7 cases of CMV infections (12,7%) and 2 cases of CMV disease (3,6%). Graft survival rate was calculated for all patients with an average serum creatinine of 11,7 ± 3,6 mg/l during the last visit. although it is not indicated for first line treatment in patients with low immunological risk, Thymoglobulin® can nevertheless be prescribed at a lower dose, with similar efficacy and without exposure to a higher risk of rejection.