Differences of Antithymocyte Globulin (ATG) Side Effects during Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation

• Published in: Blood 2015-12, Vol.126 (23), p.5449-5449
• Main Authors: Yañez San Segundo, Lucrecia, Lopez Pereira, Brenda, Bermudez, Maria Aranzazu, Insunza, Andres, Romon, Iñigo, Richard, Carlos, Conde, Eulogio
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0006-4971; 1528-0020
• DOI: 10.1182/blood.V126.23.5449.5449

Introduction: Due to its production and mechanism of action, antithymocyte globulin (ATG) is associated with two main side effects: immunological responses and infections. Objective: We evaluate the incidence and differences of ATG infusion reactions and fungal and viral infections in patients who receive SCT across a period of 10 years. Patients and methods: From January 2005 to December 2014, 100 patients who underwent and allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) in our center received ATG (Thymoglobulin [TG] or ATG-Fresenius [ATG-F]) as part of conditioning regimen. Because an out of trend had been noted in stability profiling of TG finished product lots manufactured since December 2009 and since July 2012, TG was switched by ATG-F, patients were divided into three groups (TG-1: 45 patients; TG-2: 31 patients; ATG-F: 24 patients). Total median dose of TG was 7.5 mg/Kg in both groups. Results: Patients transplanted with ATG-F were significantly older than those who received TG (p=0.009). In addition, the use of an unrelated donor and GVHD prophylaxis with calcineurin inhibitor combined with mycophenolate mofetil was more frequent in ATG-F group (p=0.04 and p