Low-Dose r-ATG vs Basiliximab in Low-Risk Living-Donor Kidney Transplantation: Outcomes in Acute Rejection, Graft Function, and Infections.

Abstract

BACKGROUND Induction immunosuppressive therapy is essential to prevent early acute rejection in kidney transplantation. While basiliximab is typically used in low-immunological-risk patients, low-dose rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin (r-ATG) may offer comparable efficacy with potentially higher infection risk. Evidence comparing both strategies in living-donor transplantation remains limited. MATERIAL AND METHODS This retrospective cohort study included 150 adult patients undergoing their first kidney transplant from living donors at the 108 Military Central Hospital (Vietnam) between January 2022 and January 2025. All recipients were classified as low immunologic risk and received either low-dose r-ATG (4 mg/kg, n=37) or basiliximab (n=113) as induction therapy. Outcomes evaluated included graft and patient survival, biopsy-proven acute rejection (BPAR), renal function (eGFR), and post-transplant infection rates. Multivariable Cox regression was used to identify predictors of rejection. RESULTS The median follow-up duration was 26.65 months. Both groups had 100% patient survival during the follow-up period. Graft failure occurred in 2.7% (r-ATG) and 1.77% (basiliximab) of recipients. BPAR rates were 10.81% and 13.27% in the r-ATG and basiliximab groups, respectively. No significant differences in eGFR or infection rates (CMV, BK virus, bacterial/fungal infections) were observed. HLA mismatch was the only significant predictor of rejection (Class I HR: 3.06; Class II HR: 5.59). CONCLUSIONS In low-risk living-donor kidney transplantation, low-dose r-ATG provides efficacy and safety comparable to basiliximab in terms of graft survival, rejection, and infection rates. These findings support the use of individualized induction strategies, with low-dose r-ATG being a viable alternative to basiliximab in selected patients.