ABO and Crossmatch Incompatible Renal Transplantation: Why, How, and the Role of Apheresis
Program Code: 074577
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
2:00 PM to 3:30 PM (ET)

MODERATOR
Jeffrey Winters, MD, Mayo Clinic-Rochester

SPEAKERS
S. Breanndan Moore, MD, FRCPI, Mayo Clinic Rochester
Jeffrey Winters, MD, Mayo Clinic-Rochester
James M. Gloor, MD, Mayo Clinic

DESCRIPTION
Due to limitations in available organs and an inability to find HLA matched organs for patients highly sensitized to HLA, institutions have implemented living donor renal transplant programs involving ABO or cross match incompatible donors. These programs seek to provide the opportunity for transplantation to patients who are essentially ?untransplantable? (patients highly alloimmunized to HLA) or who would wait for extended periods of time on organ waiting lists (blood group B or O candidates), experiencing the increased morbidity/mortality associated with dialysis. In order for these transplants to be successful, antibody titers are reduced prior to transplantation and in the immediate transplant period through a combination of immunosuppression, intravenous immunoglobulin, and plasma exchange. This presentation by three speakers involved in such a program will review the importance of patient selection and preparation, patient/donor testing, and plasma exchange in successful transplantation of incompatible kidneys. Protocols used by other institutions will also be discussed.