Management of anti-allogeneic antibody elimination by apheresis in living donor liver transplantation

Ther Apher Dial. 2007 Oct;11(5):319-24. doi: 10.1111/j.1744-9987.2007.00506.x.

Abstract

In this study, we report on the indications and efficacy of the elimination of antiallogeneic antibodies in living donor liver transplant recipients. Seven patients incompatible with the ABO-blood type were subjected to apheresis before transplantation. The procedure resulted in titers being decreased to less than a score of 8. After transplantation, apheresis was also performed in 6 cases and continuous hemodiafiltration in 1 case. In addition, three out of 11 ABO-blood type incompatible recipients were administered anti-CD20 antibody (rituximab). Two crossmatch positive patients were subjected to apheresis before transplantation, and in these cases the titers were reduced to less than a score of 2. Moreover, these two patients had no acute rejections after transplantation. We concluded that apheresis is effective for preventing acute rejection induced by pre-existing anti-A and/or anti-B antibodies, as well as antidonor specific antibodies, but is not effective in some patients who had accelerated humoral rejection.

MeSH terms

  • ABO Blood-Group System / immunology*
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Blood Group Incompatibility / therapy*
  • Blood Grouping and Crossmatching
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Isoantibodies / isolation & purification*
  • Liver Transplantation*
  • Living Donors*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Plasmapheresis / methods*

Substances

  • ABO Blood-Group System
  • Isoantibodies