Long-Term Evaluation of Basiliximab Induction Therapy in Live Donor Kidney Transplantation: A Five-Year Prospective Randomized Study

Abstract

Background/Aims: The long-term evaluation of basiliximab induction therapy has not been addressed yet. We aim to evaluate its long-term effects in living related donor kidney transplantation. Methods: 100 adult recipients with their first kidney allograft were randomized into two treatment groups – one group received basiliximab and the second served as a control. All patients received a maintenance triple immunosuppressive therapy (steroids, cyclosporine microemulsion and azathioprine) and were closely followed for 5 years. Results: Basiliximab significantly reduced the proportion of patients who experienced an acute rejection in the first year (18/50) when compared to the control group (31/50) and in 5 years (27/50) when compared to (36/50) the controls. The cumulative steroid dose used throughout the study was significantly lower in the basiliximab group. The overall incidence of post-transplant complications was comparable between the two treatment groups. There was no significant difference in patients and graft survival; 5-year patient and graft survival were 100 and 86% for basiliximab, and 96 and 88% for the control group respectively. Conclusion: Although routine basiliximab induction significantly reduces the incidence of acute rejection, its beneficial long-term effects on graft function and patient and graft survival are not yet evident.