BACKGROUND:

Rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin (rATG) induction reduces reperfusion injury and improves renal function in kidney recipients by means of properties unrelated to T-cell lysis. Here, we analyze intensive rATG induction (single dose, rATGS , vs. divided dose, rATGD ) for improved renal function and protection against hyperglycemia. METHODS:

Patients without diabetes (n = 98 of 180) in a prospective randomized trial of intensive rATG induction were followed for six months for the major secondary composite end point of impaired glucose regulation (hyperglycemia and new-onset diabetes after transplantation, NODAT). Prospectively collected data included fasting blood glucose and HbA1c. Serum Mg++ was routinely collected and retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS:

Induction with rATGS produced less impaired glucose regulation (p = 0.05), delayed NODAT development (p = 0.02), less hyperglycemia (p = 0.02), better renal function (p = 0.04), and less hypomagnesemia (p = 0.02), a factor associated with a lower incidence of NODAT. Generalized linear modeling confirmed that rATGS protects against a synergistic interaction between tacrolimus and sirolimus that otherwise increased hypomagnesemia (p = 0.008) and hyperglycemia (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS:

rATGS initiated before renal reperfusion improved early renal function and reduced impaired glucose regulation, an injury by diabetogenic maintenance agents (tacrolimus and sirolimus).