ATG-Fresenius increases the risk of red blood cell transfusion after kidney transplantation

Front Immunol. 2022 Dec 1:13:1045580. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1045580. eCollection 2022.

Abstract

Introduction: In sensitized deceased donor kidney allograft recipients, the most frequent induction therapy is anti-thymocyte globulins (ATG), including Thymoglobulin® (Thymo) and ATG-Fresenius (ATG-F).

Methods: We conducted a 3-year monocentric observational study to compare the impact of ATGs on hematological parameters. We included adult kidney transplant recipients treated with ATG induction therapy, either Thymo or ATG-F, on a one-in-two basis. The primary endpoint was red blood cell (RBC) transfusions within 14 days after transplantation.

Results: Among 309 kidney allograft recipients, 177 (57.2%) received ATG induction, 90 (50.8 %) ATG-F, and 87 (49.2%) Thymo. The ATG-F group received significantly more RBC transfusions (63.3% vs. 46% p = 0.02) and in bigger volumes (p = 0.01). Platelet transfusion was similar in both groups. Within 14 and 30 days after transplantation, older age, ATG-F induction, and early surgical complication were independently associated with RBC transfusion. Patient survival rate was 95%, and the death-censored kidney allograft survival rate was 91.5% at 12 months post-transplantation. There was no difference in the incidence of acute rejection and infections or in the prevalence of anti-HLA donor-specific antibodies.

Discussion: In conclusion, after kidney transplantation, ATG-F is an independent risk factor for early RBC transfusion and early thrombocytopenia without clinical and biological consequences. These new data should be clinically considered, and alternatives to ATG should be further explored.

Keywords: anti-thymocyte globulins; donor-specific anti-HLA antibodies; induction therapy; kidney transplantation; red blood cell transfusion.

Publication types

  • Observational Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antilymphocyte Serum* / therapeutic use
  • Erythrocyte Transfusion / adverse effects
  • Graft Rejection
  • Graft Survival
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Kidney Transplantation* / adverse effects

Substances

  • Antilymphocyte Serum
  • Immunosuppressive Agents