Abstract
Background: Alemtuzumab (Campath-1H [C1H]) is a humanized monoclonal antibody directed against the CD 52 antigen that is present on the surface of T cells, B cells, natural killer cells and monocytes. We studied its application in intestinal transplantation. Methods: This is a retrospective review of adult patients who underwent intestinal transplantation between December 1994 and May 2005. Group 1: non-C1H group (n = 39); group 2: C1H group (n = 37). C1H was administered as an induction immunosuppression in four doses (0.3 mg/kg), or in two doses (30 mg/kg). Tacrolimus levels were maintained at low level (5-10 ng/dL). No maintenance steroids were given. Results: One-year survival of group 1 and group 2 patients were 57% and 70%, respectively. This difference is not statistically significant. Of 37 patients in group 2, 21 are alive. The incidence of rejection was lower in group 2 (P < .005). Average current tacrolimus level is 6.97 ± 3.98 ng/dL. Seventeen patients (81%) are steroid free, and 15 (71%) are maintained solely on tacrolimus. There was no graft versus host disease in group 2. Conclusions: Our preliminary data suggest that C1H can provide effective immunosuppression for intestinal transplantation. Incidence of rejection was less with this regimen using low maintenance tacrolimus and minimal steroids.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 1747-1749 |
Number of pages | 3 |
Journal | Transplantation proceedings |
Volume | 38 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jul 2006 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Surgery
- Transplantation