Use of antilymphocyte induction therapy in liver transplantation

Polyclonal and monoclonal antilymphocyte agents (antilymphocyte globulin, antithymocyte globulin, OKT3, anti-interleukin-2 receptor antibody) are potent immunosuppressive agents that differ fundamentally in their mechanisms of action from cyclosporine- and tacrolimus-based induction therapy. Clinica...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inLiver transplantation and surgery Vol. 5; no. 4 Suppl 1; p. S64
Main Author Wall, W J
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.07.1999
Subjects
Acute Disease
Antilymphocyte Serum - therapeutic use
Graft Rejection - immunology
Graft Rejection - prevention & control
Graft Survival
Humans
Immunosuppression
Immunosuppressive Agents - therapeutic use
Liver Transplantation - immunology
Postoperative Complications - immunology
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Summary:Polyclonal and monoclonal antilymphocyte agents (antilymphocyte globulin, antithymocyte globulin, OKT3, anti-interleukin-2 receptor antibody) are potent immunosuppressive agents that differ fundamentally in their mechanisms of action from cyclosporine- and tacrolimus-based induction therapy. Clinical trials and retrospective studies show low rates of acute rejection can be obtained when biological antilymphocyte agents are used for induction immunosuppression in liver transplant recipients. Infectious complications are similar to those of conventional induction regimens, and the incidence of posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease is acceptably low when excessive doses are not used. Published series of liver transplant recipients have so far not shown the clear superiority of antilymphocyte induction therapy, in terms of patient and graft survival, compared with standard therapy (cyclosporine or tacrolimus plus steroids and azathioprine). At present, there is no ideal induction regimen recommended for all patients.
ISSN:1074-3022