ABO-Incompatible Liver Transplantation – A Review of the Historical Background and Results. (4th May 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dahlgren, Ulrika Skogsberg; Bennet, William
• Is Part Of: International reviews of immunology. Volume 38:Number 3(2019)
• Page Start: 118
• Page End: 128
• Publication Date: 2019-05-04
• Subjects: ABO-incompatible -- liver -- transplantation -- antibody -- rejection; Immunology -- Periodicals; Autoimmune diseases -- Periodicals; 616.079
• DOI: 10.1080/08830185.2019.1601720
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0883-0185

Abstract

Abstract: ABO-incompatible liver transplantation (ABOi LT) using conventional immunosuppression has been considered a contraindication due to the high risk for antibody-mediated complications potentially resulting in graft loss. However, organ shortage has led to the development of anti-A/B antibody reducing immunosuppressive protocols which have made the outcome after living donor (LD) ABOi LT equivalent to that achieved with LD ABO-compatible (ABOc). The experience of deceased donor (DD) ABOi LT is however still limited. In this article, we discuss the historical background and the results after ABOi LT, in the setting of both LD and DD transplantation. We also discuss the remaining hurdles and future strategies in the breaching of the ABO barrier for LT.