Current progress in ABO-incompatible liver transplantation

Minoru Tanabe, Shigeyuki Kawachi, Hideaki Obara, Masahiro Shinoda, Taizo Hibi, Yuko Kitagawa, Go Wakabayashi, Motohide Shimazu, Masaki Kitajima

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

84 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background ABO-incompatible (ABOi) living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) in adult patients has been controversial because of the high risk of antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) mediated by preformed anti-ABO antibodies. However, outcomes have recently improved owing to various treatment advances. Materials and methods This review article describes the history and current progress in ABOi liver transplantation, mainly from the viewpoint of the Japanese experience. Results The typical clinical manifestations of AMR are hepatic necrosis and intrahepatic biliary complication. The outcomes of early ABOi LDLT were poor, especially in older children and adult cases. Since we first introduced portal vein infusion therapy into adult ABOi LDLT in 1998, local graft infusion therapy has emerged in Japan as a crucial breakthrough to overcome the ABO blood group barrier. From 2003, rituximab prophylaxis has been widely used with local graft infusion, and has resulted in markedly improved patient survival. The novel approach of intravenous immunoglobulin induction may become another option to suppress AMR. Continued patient enrolment and controlled trials will allow further validation of these treatments. Conclusions The outcome of ABOi LDLT is now similar to that of blood-type-matched transplantation in Japan. However, infection is the major cause of morbidity and mortality after ABOi LDLT. Thus, evaluation of the patients' immune status and adjustment of immunosuppression will be the way forward in the future.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)943-949
Number of pages7
JournalEuropean Journal of Clinical Investigation
Volume40
Issue number10
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2010 Oct

Keywords

  • ABO-incompatible
  • antibody-mediated rejection
  • liver transplantation
  • living donor
  • rituximab

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biochemistry
  • Clinical Biochemistry

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Current progress in ABO-incompatible liver transplantation'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this