One Dose of Basiliximab in the Prevention of Acute Rejection in Renal Transplant Recipients

The standard two dose protocol of basiliximab is effective in reducing acute rejection rate in kidney transplantation, but very expensive. This study aims to investigate the efficacy and safety of one dose of basiliximab in the prevention of acute rejection in renal transplant recipients. A total of 28 renal transplant recipients treated with one dose of basiliximab were studied and followed for six months as a non-randomized retrospective study, a simultaneous 28 renal transplant recipients without anti-lymphocyte induction therapy served as control group. All the grafts were from donation after cardiac death. Acute rejection rate was lower in the study group compared with the control group (21% vs. 50%, P < 0.05). All acute rejection episodes were reversed by methylprednisolone pulse therapy or Anti-human T Lymphocyte Porcine Immunoglobulin (ALG) therapy. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in six-month patient or kidney survival rate between the treatment group and the control group. Difference of adverse events including gastrointestinal dysfunctions, leukopenia, impaired liver function and infection between two groups was not found. One dose regimen of basiliximab was effective in the prevention of acute rejection in renal transplant recipients, and is fit for the situation of China because of the significant reduction of cost.