title: Effect of human leucocyte antigen matching on the incidence of acute rejection in renal transplantation.
abstract: The influence of human leucocyte antigen (HLA) matching on the incidence of acute rejection and graft survival was examined in 181 consecutive patients receiving cadaveric renal transplants. Allografts with better HLA-DR and HLA-B matching showed significantly lower rejection rates than less well matched grafts on both univariate (rejection rates 25, 62 and 82 per cent for zero, one and two DR mismatches; P < 0.001) and multivariate analysis. Rejection episodes occurred earlier in mismatched grafts (P < 0.001). Superior matching was associated with improved graft function at 1 year after transplantation (mean serum creatinine level 137, 180 and 225 mumol l-1 for zero, one and two DR mismatches; P < 0.05). No association was, however, demonstrated between the degree of matching and overall graft survival. Good HLA matching reduces the number of acute rejection episodes, producing significant savings in drug costs and hospital stay. Long-term graft function is improved and minimizing early graft damage helps to avoid later development of chronic rejection.
authors.affiliation: Renal Transplant Unit, Nottingham City Hospital, UK.
authors.forename: I J
authors.initials: IJ
authors.lastname: Beckingham
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Dennis
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Bishop
authors.forename: R W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Blamey
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Nicholson
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006085:Graft Survival; D015235:HLA-B Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens / Q000032:analysis*; D006650:Histocompatibility Testing; D006801:Humans; D007165:Immunosuppression Therapy / Q000191:economics; D016030:Kidney Transplantation / Q000276:immunology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D015235:HLA-B Antigens; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens