Does rituximab help in HLA desensitization for kidney transplantation?

Kidney Int. 2015 Feb;87(2):277-9. doi: 10.1038/ki.2014.365.

Abstract

In the study by Jackson et al., 50 subjects were given plasma exchange and low-dose intravenous immunoglobulin to desensitize for live-donor kidney transplantation, and those deemed to have high immunological risk were also given rituximab. Transplant outcomes were similar between the two groups even though the rituximab group had higher immunological risk. These results suggest that rituximab may be helpful when added to 'standard' desensitization protocols, but definitive trials are still lacking in this area.

Publication types

  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • HLA Antigens*
  • Humans
  • Isoantibodies / biosynthesis*
  • Kidney Transplantation*
  • Male
  • Rituximab / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • HLA Antigens
  • Isoantibodies
  • Rituximab