Dual antibody induction and de novo use of everolimus enable low-dose tacrolimus with early corticosteroid withdrawal in simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation

BACKGROUND: To be an optimal immunosuppressive regimen after simultaneous pancreas kidney transplantation (SPK), low dose calcineurin inhibitor and early withdrawal of corticosteroids are desired.

METHODS: Immunosuppressive regimen as such has been conducted consecutively in SPK recipients since 2009 in authors' institute. In addition to tacrolimus in low trough level and early corticosteroid withdraw, dual induction with basiliximab and low-dose thymoglobulin in combination with everolimus are the important components of the protocol.

RESULTS: 25 consecutive primary SPK recipients were included in the study. Lymphocyte depletion by low dose thymoglobulin was limited to two weeks, and CD25 coating with basiliximab was detectable for 4 weeks. The BPAR within the first 12 months was 13%. During a median follow-up of 58 months, new-onset diabetes mellitus and renal function deterioration were rare events. No cytomegalovirus activation was encountered. The patients, pancreas and kidney graft survival at 1-year and 5-year was 100% and 94.4%, 95.8% and 95.8%, 100% and 100% respectively.