Long-term results of ABO-incompatible kidney transplantation with antigen-specific immunoadsorption and rituximab

Transplantation. 2007 Dec 27;84(12 Suppl):S44-7. doi: 10.1097/01.tp.0000296031.41424.f8.

Abstract

ABO-incompatible (ABOi) kidney transplantation has gained a renewed interest during the past years. In 2001, a protocol for ABOi kidney transplantation based on antigen-specific immunoadsorption and rituximab was introduced at our center. In this study long-term graft function using this protocol was assessed. All ABOi kidney recipients with >1-year follow-up (n=15) were compared with all ABO-compatible (ABOc) living donor kidney recipients maintained on the same basic immunosuppression (n=27). Patient and graft survival as well as rejections and calculated glomerular filtration rate were analyzed. Mean follow-up was 3 years. There was no significant difference in patient and graft survival nor in rejection episodes. Mean glomerular filtration rate (79-83 ml/min) was equivalent at 1, 2, and 3 years in both groups. We conclude that ABOi kidney transplantation using antigen-specific immunoadsorption and rituximab is equivalent to standard ABOc living donor kidney transplantation. ABOi transplantation following this protocol does not have a negative impact on graft function long-term.

MeSH terms

  • ABO Blood-Group System*
  • Adsorption
  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
  • Blood Group Incompatibility*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Glomerular Filtration Rate
  • Graft Survival
  • Humans
  • Immunosorbents / chemistry*
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Kidney / immunology
  • Kidney Transplantation / methods*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Rituximab
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • ABO Blood-Group System
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
  • Immunosorbents
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Rituximab