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

Background. Due to possible complications and treatment limitations, the pr evention of influenza in renal transplant (RT) patients is highly indicated . Methods, Forty-nine patients with a 1-year functioning RT subjected to two different immunosuppressive regimens and 37 healthy relatives (HR) were adm inistered 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. Results, Three months after vaccination, 46.2% of the RT patients and 69% o f the HR (P=0.06) showed protective antibody titers to influenza A (relativ e risk [RR]; 0.67; 95% confidence interval: 0.4-1.02), A total of 20.5% of the RT patients and 44.8% of the HR showed antibodies to influenza B (P=0.0 3). Despite these differences, the incidence of illness was similar. The im munosuppressive regimen had no effect on the antibody response. Conclusions. Although the RT patients showed a reduced antibody response, n o negative effects on graft outcome were observed.