ABO blood group incompatible kidney transplantation: a case report and review of the literature
Cardella, C.J.; Pei, Y.; Brady, H.R.
Clinical Nephrology 28(6): 295-299
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0301-0430 PMID: 3327640 Document Number: 303323
A patient with end-stage renal failure, two previously failed kidney transplants and high serum lymphocytotoxic antibody levels was transplanted electively with an AB0-mismatched, HLA-identical kidney from his sibling. Immunosuppression consisted of pretransplant splenectomy and plasma exchange, followed by rabbit antithymocyte serum, azathioprine, prednisone and plasma exchange in the early post-transplant period. He is now 3 years post-transplant with normal renal function on conventional immunosuppressive therapy. This case, and a review of the literature, suggest that AB0 blood group incompatibility need not be an absolute barrier to successful kidney transplantation. AB0 incompatible kidney transplantation may be a potentially fruitful area for further research as the demand for donor organs continues to outstrip the supply.