Triple Vs Okt-3 Therapy In Renal-Transplantation - A Comparative Prospective And Randomized Study

The aim of this study was to asses the potential benefits of OKT3 therapy versus classical triple therapy during this period. A prospective randomized protocol was undertaken with 43 consecutive renal transplant patients, 18 assigned to OKT3 and 25 to triple therapy. There were no statistical differences with regard to: age, days of hospitalitation, cold and warm ischemia times, degree of HLA compatibility and reactivity to panel antibodies. Neither were there differences in postoperative hemodialysis requirements, number of infections, rejection episodes or maintenance dose of cyclosporine. The graft survival at 2 years was comparable in both groups (78 % vs 81 %; NS). However, graft function was better in OKT3-treated patients at 2 years (serum creatinine 1.6 +/- 0.25 vs 1.9 +/- 0.44 mg %; p < 0.05).The data seem to indicate that prophylactic OKT3 treatment does not benefit renal transplant patients, apart from a modesty, but significanty, better long-term graft function.