Outcomes of ABO-Incompatible Living Donor Kidney Transplantation Compared to Waiting or Deceased Donor Kidney Transplantation

Influence of CDC‑XM and HLA compatibility on clinical outcomes in kidney transplant recipients during the post‑operative recovery period: A retrospective analysis

Kidney transplantation remains the preferred treatment for patients with end-stage kidney failure. Complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) crossmatch (CDC-XM) and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) typing are two important methods of donor-recipient matching prior to kidney transplantation. The purpose of the present study was to explore the effects of CDC-XM levels and HLA matching on early post-operative clinical outcomes in kidney transplant recipients. A total of 112 consecutive recipients who underwent allogeneic kidney transplantation were selected and their data collected, including pre-operative general information, indicators associated with renal function, red blood cell and white blood cell counts, the blood glucose level at each follow-up time point and both the incidence of adverse events following transplantation and their risk factors. During the follow-up period, statistical methods were used to compare and systematically analyze the differences in clinical indicators and adverse events between each groups. In each different groups that were assigned for the CDC-XM levels and HLA matching, the differences in the clinical indicators between the groups during the follow-up period were mainly centered on the first week post-transplantation, with the greatest differences being identified for the renal function-associated indicators, whereas the observed recovery was essentially comparable between 1-6 months. According to the multivariate analysis, recipients of age ≥40 years and with a BMI ≥25 tended to have an increased risk of delayed graft function (DGF), whereas the risk was reduced when the organ had been donated by a living donor and also when the number of HLA mismatches was 0-2. In conclusion, the present study showed that CDC-negativity and improved HLA matching help to promote the recovery of renal function in kidney transplant recipients during the early post-operative period. Patients who met the conditions of CDC-negativity and fewer HLA mismatches had faster and improved early postoperative recovery of renal function and a lower incidence of DGF. Furthermore, in a multifactorial analysis of DGF, recipient age, recipient BMI, donor type and HLA mismatch were found to be important risk factors for DGF.

Outcomes of ABO-incompatible kidney transplants with very high isoagglutinin titers: a single-center experience and literature review

Background

ABO-incompatible kidney transplantation (ABOi-KTx) represents a possible solution to address the shortage of kidney donors. However, these transplants present immunological challenges, particularly when isoagglutinin titers are elevated pretransplant.

Methods

Single-center retrospective study describing clinical and biological outcomes of 8 patients who underwent ABOi-KTx with initial isoagglutinin titers ≥ 1/512. All patients followed a desensitization protocol combining immunosuppression (rituximab, tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, steroids), and specific or semi-specific apheresis sessions. Clinical and biological data were extracted from electronic medical records.

Results

There were 5 males; median age of 62 years [34-82 years]; all achieved an isoagglutinin titer of ≤1/8 before transplantation after a median of 13 (range: 9-15) apheresis sessions. Three patients (37%) experienced acute humoral rejection, which required additional plasmapheresis sessions. Two patients developed chronic active rejection, successfully treated. On the infectious side, three patients developed BK-virus reactivation. Two patients developed cytomegalovirus viremia, and two others presented with bacterial infections. Surgically, two patients developed a lymphocele, and one had a perirenal hematoma. All patients survived the transplant with stable renal function: mean serum creatinine was 138 ± 15 µmol/L after four years of follow-up.

Conclusion

ABO-incompatible kidney transplantation, even in patients with high isoagglutinin titers, is feasible and can achieve favorable long-term graft and patient survival outcomes. However, these procedures require substantial clinical expertise and close follow-up to monitor and manage the elevated risks of infection and rejection in this population.

Trends in Patient Characteristics on the Japanese Waiting Lists for Deceased-Donor Kidney Transplantation. Are There no Eligibility or Ineligibility Criteria for Registration and Renewal?

BACKGROUND

Controversial issues in registering candidates for deceased-donor kidney transplantation (DDKT) comprise various factors, including age, life expectancy, and dialysis duration. We investigated patient characteristics on the waiting list and discussed suitable criteria in Japan, which has a long waiting period.

METHODS

This study included 592 patients on the waiting list for DDKT at our institute between 1982 and 2023. We retrospectively reviewed patients' medical charts and obtained their clinical information. Patient characteristics according to outcomes and eligibility criteria for applying for or renewing registration were investigated. No prisoners were used in the study, and the participants were neither coerced nor paid.

RESULTS

Approximately 70%, 45%, and 14.5% of the registered patients were aged >60, >70, and 80 years, respectively. The number of patients aged ≥70 years gradually decreased over time. The median waiting periods of patients who underwent and interrupted DDKT were 13 and 7 years, respectively. Patients in their 70s with a >15-year dialysis period tended to have opportunities for DDKT. Living-donor kidney transplantation was performed in patients aged <60 years. Waiting patients were significantly younger and had a shorter dialysis duration. Advanced age at registration was associated with a significantly high risk of interruption.

CONCLUSIONS

Advanced age and longer dialysis periods were considered at registration because patients with these factors tended to experience interruptions despite the long waiting period and high cost. Although older patients can undergo DDKT, factors including surgical cost and risks are considered. Eligibility/ineligibility criteria should be established for DDKT waiting lists in Japan.