Effect of anti-lymphocyte antibody induction therapy on renal allograft survival.

Our two meta-analyses show that antilymphocyte antibody induction therapy extends allograft survival when compared to induction therapy with cyclosporine, azathioprine, and prednisone with the majority of the benefit seen during the first 2 years after transplant. The benefit of induction therapy with respect to allograft survival is particularly important among patients with pretransplant panel reactive antibodies greater than 20%. Although our understanding of the role of antilymphocyte antibody induction therapy continues to evolve, these two meta-analyses provide evidence for its use in clinical renal transplantation.