First two ABO-incompatible living renal transplantations using splenectomy, rituximab, plasmapheresis and IVIG as a preconditioning regimen: a single center experience in the Balkans.

Background: Due to the growing organ shortage in the Balkans and still underdeveloped cadaver transplantation, we started accepting living expanded criteria renal donors including elderly, marginal and unrelated donors (spouses, etc). The ABO-incompatible renal transplantation was initiated last year. The first two successful cases are presented.

Methods: A 40-yr-old mother (blood group A1B) and a 57-yr-old husband (blood group B) were considered as suitable donors for an 18-yr-old daughter (blood group B) and a 52-yr-old wife (blood group O). Both the recipients had a relatively long dialysis treatment before the surgery. The anti-A1 and anti-B titer of isoaglutinins was 1 : 64 in both the recipients before the procedure. A routine laparoscopic splenectomy was performed 40 and 45 days before the transplantation, without any complications. In the 10 days pre-conditioning period, rituximab was administered in a single dose of 375 mg/m2. At the same time four to five plasmaphereses were performed to reduce the isoaglutinins to below 1 : 4. On the last night before the surgery intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) in a dose of 0.5 g/kg/bw was administered. Standard induction and maintenance therapy was introduced (Dacllizumab, CyA-Neoral, MMF and steroids) according to the accepted policy in our transplant center. The routine plasmaphereses were performed in the first 2 weeks after transplantation to keep the isoaglutinins titer below 1 : 8.

Results: Ten and 6 months after the surgery both recipients are doing well. Their graft function remains stable (actual serum creatinin 140 and 230 microm/L, respectively). In the 1 month protocol biopsy a subclinical cellular and mild vascular rejection occurred, and both recipients were treated by steroid pulse therapy. One to two additional plasmaphereses were performed. The regularly monitored anti-A1 and anti-B isoaglutinins titer was kept below 1 : 8 during a period of follow-up.

Conclusion: The first short-term results fully justify the ABO-incompatible living renal transplantation. The authors consider ABO-incompatible transplantation as a safe and promising procedure which may, together with expanded criteria living donors, ameliorate the actual donor shortage in the region.