Korean J Transplant.  2023 Nov;37(Suppl 1):S306. 10.4285/ATW2023.F-9150.

Short-term outcomes of ABO-incompatible kidney transplantation at Cho Ray Hospital

• Hoang CK
• Thai SM
• Thai LK
• Nguyen HT
• Ly TH
• Vu HD
• Nguyen DD
• Tran VA
• Nguyen TT

• KMID: 2551935
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4285/ATW2023.F-9150

Abstract

Background
Despite many efforts to promote kidney donation from deceased donors, most kidney transplants in Vietnam are performed from living donors; furthermore, ABO blood group incompatibility (ABOi) remains a crucial barrier. We started performing ABOi kidney transplants (ABOi KT) in December 2021. This study evaluates the results of ABOi KT cases at Cho Ray Hospital.
Methods
In a case study, patients underwent ABOi KT from living donors. The desensitization protocol included rituximab followed by plasmapheresis. Immunosuppression was undertaken using tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and prednisolone. All patients received basiliximab for induction therapy.
Results
From December 2021 to March 2023, three male patients received ABOi kidney transplantation. Transplantation was performed at antibody titers ≤1:16. The patient attended two to four plasmapheresis sessions before transplantation. Graft survival was 100%, with normal kidney function, no rejection, and complications.
Conclusions
ABOi KT will significantly expand the living donor pool and offer hope to many end-stage renal disease patients without ABO-compatible donors. However, the high cost and risk of acute rejection and infection remain a significant concern.