EFFECTS OF HLA-A AND B MATCHING ON SUCCESS OF CADAVER GRAFTS AT A SINGLE CENTER

Abstract

The effect of HLA matching on the success of cadaver renal allografts was examined utilizing computerized multifactoral analysis in a large single renal transplant center. Consecutive cadaver transplant recipients (191) (from Jan. 1968 to Aug. 1975) were followed from 2 1/2-9 yr. During the period surveyed, the tissue typing results were not utilized in a prospective manner to select recipients. The data presented attest to the beneficial effect of utilizing well matched cadaver grafts. HLA matching of 2 or more antigens resulted in significantly superior 2 and 4 yr patient survival and graft function compared to results for cadaver kidneys matched for 0 and 1 HLA antigen. The results were not greatly influenced when age, sex or time of transplant were controlled. The importance of tissue typing was particularly clear if higher doses of antilymphoblast globulin (ALG) were administered. The risk inherent in advancing recipient age was markedly reduced by better transplant matches. Graft function was also superior in the diabetic patients receiving good HLA matches, but there were too few patients to make these results statistically significant.