ABO-incompatible transplantation: less may be more

Transplantation. 2007 Dec 27;84(12 Suppl):S8-9. doi: 10.1097/01.tp.0000296032.12974.bb.

Abstract

Many have reported success with ABO-incompatible kidney transplantation using B-cell ablative therapies such as anti-CD20 and splenectomy. However, splenectomy and anti-CD20 is associated with an increased risk of infection. We show how ABO-incompatible kidney transplants can be accomplished with a low risk of antibody-mediated rejection and graft loss using plasmapheresis preconditioning, low-dose intravenous immunoglobulin, and standard maintenance immunosuppression. The mean follow up for our cohort of 53 patients is 2 years. The mean creatinine clearance at 1 and 3 years is 58 mL/min and 63 mL/min, predicting excellent long-term function. Only long-term follow up of these patients will render definitive answers, however, these data demonstrate that ABO-incompatible kidney transplantation increases the donor pool by providing live donor kidneys that function promptly with minimal risk of early loss. This can be accomplished with a modest, brief escalation of immunosuppression and at a lower cost to the health care system than maintaining the patient on dialysis.

MeSH terms

  • ABO Blood-Group System*
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antigens, CD20 / chemistry
  • B-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • Blood Group Incompatibility*
  • Creatinine / metabolism
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Kidney Transplantation / methods*
  • Living Donors
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Splenectomy

Substances

  • ABO Blood-Group System
  • Antigens, CD20
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Creatinine