No induction versus anti-IL2R induction therapy in simultaneous kidney pancreas transplantation: A comparative analysis

The optimal immunosuppressive regimen for simultaneous kidney pancreas transplantation (SKPT) is still not established. We conducted a study to compare the safety and efficacy of no induction versus anti-IL-2 receptor induction protocols in SKPT recipients receiving the same maintenance regimen. Methods. Sixty-three SKPT recipients were divided into two groups: no induction group (n = 42) and anti-IL-2 receptor induction group (n = 21). All patients were maintained on tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and prednisone. Primary endpoints were 1-year acute rejection incidence and patient and graft survivals. Results. Demographic characteristics were similar between the groups. Acute rejection incidence at 1 year was equal in both groups (28.6%). Kidney and pancreas allograft survival in the no induction group were 78.6% and 76.2%, and in the anti-IL-2R induction group, 81% and 71.4%, respectively (P = NS). Patient survival was also similar: 83.3% in the no induction versus 85.7% in the anti-IL-2R induction group. Deaths due to sepsis were higher in the anti-IL-2R induction group, albeit not significantly. Conclusion. The use of a no-induction protocol in SKPT is safe and effective immunosuppression that also reduces transplantation costs.