Influenza virus immunization effectivity in kidney transplant patients subjected to two different triple-drug therapy immunosuppression protocols: mycophenolate versus azathioprine

• Published in: Transplantation Vol. 69; no. 3; p. 436
• Main Authors: Sanchez-Fructuoso, A I, Prats, D, Naranjo, P, Fernández-Pérez, C, González, M J, Mariano, A, González, J, Figueredo, M A, Martin, J M, Paniagua, V, Fereres, J, Gómez de la Concha, E, Barrientos, A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 15.02.2000
• Subjects: Adult; Female; Humans; Immunosuppression - adverse effects; Immunosuppressive Agents - administration & dosage; Influenza A virus - immunology; Influenza Vaccines - administration & dosage; Influenza Vaccines - immunology; Influenza, Human - etiology; Influenza, Human - immunology; Influenza, Human - prevention & control; Kidney Transplantation - adverse effects; Male; Middle Aged; Treatment Outcome
• ISSN: 0041-1337
• DOI: 10.1097/00007890-200002150-00023

Due to possible complications and treatment limitations, the prevention of influenza in renal transplant (RT) patients is highly indicated. Forty-nine patients with a 1-year functioning RT subjected to two different immunosuppressive regimens and 37 healthy relatives (HR) were administered the anti-influenza vaccine as recommended for 1996 to 1997. Anti-influenza antibody, creatinine, and immunological markers were estimated at 1 and 3 months after vaccination. Three months after vaccination, 46.2% of the RT patients and 69% of the HR (P=0.06) showed protective antibody titers to influenza A (relative risk [RR]; 0.67; 95% confidence interval: 0.44-1.02). A total of 20.5% of the RT patients and 44.8% of the HR showed antibodies to influenza B (P=0.03). Despite these differences, the incidence of illness was similar. The immunosuppressive regimen had no effect on the antibody response. Although the RT patients showed a reduced antibody response, no negative effects on graft outcome were observed.