[An experience of ABO-incompatible kidney transplantation using plasmapheresis and anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody]

Korean J Lab Med. 2009 Dec;29(6):585-8. doi: 10.3343/kjlm.2009.29.6.585.
[Article in Korean]

Abstract

Due to an extreme shortage of cadaveric kidneys, many centers in Japan successfully performed ABO-incompatible kidney transplantations using plasmapheresis, splenectomy and immunosuppression. Recently, a protocol including anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody (rituximab) and antigen-selective immunoadsorption has been used for ABO-incompatible transplantation in Europe. In Korea, ABO-incompatible kidney transplantation has been rarely performed. We report an experience of successful ABO-incompatible kidney transplantation using plasmapheresis and rituximab. The patient was a 32-yr-old female suffering from chronic renal failure, and her blood type was O, Rh+. The donor was her husband, and his blood type was B, Rh+. A combination therapy including 5 times of plasmapheresis starting from 10 days before transplantation with 2-day interval, intravenous gammaglobulin, rituximab at 2 weeks before transplantation and potent immunosuppression successfully decreased the titers of anti-A and anti-B antibodies to 1:2 and 1:1, respectively. The kidney transplantation was successful without any sign of hyperacute or acute rejection.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • ABO Blood-Group System*
  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
  • Blood Group Incompatibility*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Kidney Transplantation*
  • Plasmapheresis
  • Rituximab
  • Transplantation Conditioning

Substances

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