TRIPLE VS OKT-3 THERAPY IN RENAL-TRANSPLA NTATION - A COMPARATIVE PROSPECTIVE AND RANDOMIZED STUDY

The aim of this study was to asses the potential benefits of OKT3 ther apy versus classical triple therapy during this period. A prospective randomized protocol was undertaken with 43 consecutive renal transplan t patients, 18 assigned to OKT3 and 25 to triple therapy. There were n o statistical differences with regard to: age, days of hospitalitation , cold and warm ischemia times, degree of HLA compatibility and reacti vity to panel antibodies. Neither were there differences in postoperat ive hemodialysis requirements, number of infections, rejection episode s or maintenance dose of cyclosporine. The graft survival at 2 years w as comparable in both groups (78 % vs 81 %; NS). However, graft functi on 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 pat ients, apart from a modesty, but significanty, better long-term graft function.