Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation During Induction Treatment With Rabbit-Derived Antithymocyte Globulin For Kidney Transplant

Exp Clin Transplant. 2022 Mar;20(3):306-310. doi: 10.6002/ect.2020.0562. Epub 2021 Jun 3.

Abstract

Rabbit antithymocyte globulin is a lymphocytedepleting agent commonly used as induction therapy in kidney transplants. Although its use is generally safe and well tolerated, serious side effects can occur. Here, we describe a case of a severe immune complex hypersensitivity reaction with disseminated intravascular coagulation in response to rabbit antithymocyte globulin infusion. Immediate treatment required return to the operating room, massive transfusion of blood products, and plasmapheresis. The patient's posttransplant course was significant for volume overload, prolonged respiratory failure, and delayed graft function that required hemodialysis, but within 10 weeks the patient had made a full recovery and kidney allograft function had returned to normal.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antilymphocyte Serum
  • Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation* / diagnosis
  • Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation* / drug therapy
  • Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation* / etiology
  • Graft Rejection
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Kidney Transplantation* / adverse effects
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antilymphocyte Serum
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • thymoglobulin