Infection Risks With Thymoglobulin Use for Delayed Graft Function in Deceased Donor Kidney Transplantation: Research...

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Immunology
• Transplantation

Background:

• Delayed graft function (DGF) is a common complication after kidney transplantation.
• Anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) is used for DGF but its safety in low-immunological risk recipients is unclear.
• ATG may increase infection risk while potentially reducing rejection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of using ATG for DGF in low-immunological risk kidney transplant recipients.
• To compare infection rates, rejection, and graft outcomes between recipients who received ATG for DGF and those who did not.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study of 139 deceased donor kidney transplant recipients (June 2019-June 2023).
• Compared 68 recipients who received ATG for DGF with 71 controls receiving basiliximab induction only.
• Outcomes included BK virus, CMV, serious infections, acute rejection, graft loss, and death.

Main Results:

• ATG recipients were older and received more high-risk donor kidneys.
• No significant differences in BK, CMV, or serious infection rates between groups.
• Similar rates of acute rejection, graft loss, and death were observed.

Conclusions:

• Using ATG for DGF in low-immunological risk kidney transplant recipients did not significantly increase infection risk.
• ATG did not improve graft outcomes in this population.
• The risk-benefit profile of ATG for DGF in low-risk recipients requires further investigation.