Early plasmapheresis and rituximab for acute humoral rejection after ABO-compatible liver transplantation

World J Gastroenterol. 2009 Jul 21;15(27):3426-30. doi: 10.3748/wjg.15.3426.

Abstract

Acute humoral rejection (AHR) is uncommon after ABO-compatible liver transplantation. Herein, we report two cases of AHR treated with plasmapheresis and rituximab in two ABO-compatible liver-transplant patients with preformed anti-human leukocyte antigen donor-specific antibodies. Patient 1 experienced a biopsy-proven AHR at day 10 post-transplant. She was treated by steroid pulses, and OKT3. Because of persisting signs of biopsy-proven AHR at day 26, she was treated by plasmapheresis and rituximab. Liver enzyme levels did not improve, and she died on day 41. Patient 2 experienced a biopsy-proven AHR on day 10 post-transplant. She was treated by steroid pulses, plasmapheresis, and rituximab. Liver enzymes returned to within normal range 18 d after diagnosis. Liver biopsies, at 3 and 9 mo post-transplant, showed complete resolution of AHR. We conclude that plasmapheresis should be started as soon as AHR is diagnosed, and be associated with a B-cell depleting agent. Rituximab may be considered as a first-line therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • ABO Blood-Group System / immunology
  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
  • Blood Group Incompatibility* / immunology
  • Blood Group Incompatibility* / therapy
  • Female
  • Graft Rejection* / immunology
  • Graft Rejection* / pathology
  • Graft Rejection* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Factors / therapeutic use*
  • Liver Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Middle Aged
  • Plasmapheresis*
  • Rituximab
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • ABO Blood-Group System
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
  • Immunologic Factors
  • Rituximab