Publications by authors named "A S Zachary"
Introduction: Inflammatory bowel disease potentially elevates the risk of infections, independently from age, while the disease activity and medical treatment(s) can also increase the risks. Nevertheless, it is necessary to clarify these preconceptions as well during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods: An observational, questionnaire based study was conducted in Hungary between February and August 2021.
The limited effectiveness of rituximab plus intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) in desensitization may be due to incomplete B cell depletion. Obinutuzumab is a type 2 anti-CD20 antibody that induces increased B cell depletion relative to rituximab and may therefore be more effective for desensitization. This open-label phase 1b study assessed the safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of obinutuzumab in highly sensitized patients with end-stage renal disease.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) is a major barrier to the long-term function of renal allografts. White blood cells, which may be present in red blood cell (RBC) units, and platelets (PLTs) express HLA antigens that may increase the risk of AMR by inducing or increasing humoral sensitization to HLA.
Study Design And Methods: A retrospective cohort study of HLA-incompatible (HLAi) renal transplant recipients between 2004 and 2015 was conducted.
Article Synopsis
- - The human major histocompatibility complex (MHC) encodes key proteins known as HLAs, which play a vital role in the immune system's ability to fight off foreign pathogens and monitor tumors.
- - In organ transplantation, HLA molecules can trigger immune responses that lead to rejection, but advancements in immunogenetics have improved transplantation safety, especially for sensitized patients.
- - New techniques, such as plasmapheresis and kidney paired donation, and novel protocols for inducing tolerance are enhancing access to transplantation and improving patient outcomes.
Currently, the ability to predict or monitor the efficacy of HLA antibody-removal therapies is deficient. We previously reported that titration studies are a consistent and accurate means of assessing antibody strength. To test whether titration studies can also predict which patients are better candidates for desensitization, we studied 38 patients from 3 centers (29 receiving plasmapheresis/low-dose intravenous immunoglobulin [IVIg]; 9 patients receiving high-dose IVIg).
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