Duizendstra AA, Doukas M, Betjes MGH, van den Bosch TPP, Darwish Murad S, Litjens NHR, Sprengers D, Kwekkeboom J. HLA matching and rabbit antithymocyte globulin as induction therapy to avoid multiple forms of rejection after a third liver transplantation.
Clin Res Hepatol Gastroenterol 2021;
45:101539. [PMID:
33109483 DOI:
10.1016/j.clinre.2020.08.014]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Despite immunosuppressive drug regimens, T cell-mediated rejection, antibody-mediated rejection with donor-specific antibodies, and chronic rejection occur after liver transplantation (LTx). Rejection may significantly impact allograft survival and often a standard re-LTx is required. However, in some cases rejection recurs. Little is known on how to approach this and which aspects to consider.
CASE
Here we describe a case in which two successive liver grafts where lost due to T cell-mediated rejection, possible antibody-mediated rejection with de novo donor-specific antibody formation, and chronic rejection that occurred within a month. In an attempt to avoid recurrence with the third graft, we decided to administer a more rigorous immunosuppressive drug induction regimen with rabbit antithymocyte globulin, while applying HLA matching between recipient and donor. This resulted in rejection free survival for 337 days until a mild T cell-mediated rejection occurred, which could then be easily treated with high dose steroids. Graft survival is now at least 683 days without chronic rejection, antibody-mediated rejection or de novo donor-specific antibody formation.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, when a liver graft is lost due to multiple forms of rejection short after LTx, the combination applied in this case could be considered as a viable option to improve graft and patient survival instead of a standard re-LTx.
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