Regional organ procurement (ROP) trays in renal allograft distribution and outcome.

ROP trays containing patient serum samples and distributed by the South-Eastern Organ Procurement Foundation (SEOPF) were instituted to increase the likelihood of transplanting potential renal recipients who are highly sensitized to HLA antigens. This study examines kidney distribution and transplant outcome to assess equitable placement and clinical function post transplant with and without the use of ROP trays. Data were collected over a 26-month period on the distribution of kidneys from 328 consecutive SEOPF donors from whom at least 1 kidney was procured.

Immunogenetic factors that may contribute to ethnic differences in renal allograft survival.

In the United States, allocation of cadaveric kidneys is federally regulated and based on the concept of equal access to all patients, regardless of race, sex, age, or socioeconomic status. Nevertheless, it has been widely reported that African American patients with renal disease wait longer for kidney transplantation and, once transplanted, have poorer graft survival. We have assessed immunogenetic factors that may contribute to ethnic differences in allograft survival by examining the distributions of ABO blood groups, HLA antigens and haplotypes, percent reactive antibody (PRA), age, and gender in our local patient population.