%0 Journal Article
%T Thymoglobulin Induction Dosing Strategies in a Low-Risk Kidney Transplant Population: Three or Four Days?
%A Karen L. Hardinger
%A Rafia S. Rasu
%A Rebecca Skelton
%A Brent W. Miller
%A Daniel C. Brennan
%J Journal of Transplantation
%D 2010
%I Hindawi Publishing Corporation
%R 10.1155/2010/957549
%X The optimal dose and duration of rabbit antithymocyte globulin (rATG) induction has not been defined. Methods. We compared the safety and efficacy of 2 dosing strategies, rATG 1.5 mg/kg for 4 days (=59) versus 2 mg/kg for 3 days (=59), in a retrospective, cohort study. Results. Two-year rejection-free survival was 95% in each group (=.983). Renal function and infection rates were similar. The incidence of leucopenia was similar, although the 2 mg/kg group was more likely to be thrombocytopenic on day 2 (4% versus 28%, =.04). Length of stay tended to be longer for the 1.5 mg/kg group (6.0¡À3.7 versus 5.1¡À1.9 days =.104). A cost savings of $920 per patient for rATG were seen in the 2 mg/kg group (=.122). Conclusions. Shorter, more intense dosing of rATG is safe and effective. The 3-day dose strategy resulted in a clinically shorter length of stay and may result in cost savings.
%U http://www.hindawi.com/journals/jtran/2010/957549/