HLA-DR MATCHING IN MULTICENTER, SINGLE-TYPING LABORATORY DATA

Abstract

The results of 370 transplants are summarized for DR matching and transfusions. Among 28 patients with 2 HLA-DR antigens matched, the 1-yr transplant survival rate was 75% compared with 47% for those patients with no matched HLA-DR antigens (P < 0.0025). In this multicenter single-typing laboratory trial, HLA-DR typing had a significant effect on transplant outcome. The effect of pretransplant transfusions was additive. Patients with fewer than 5 transfusions had a 1 yr survival rate of 45% compared with 69% for those with 5 or more transfusions (P < 0.005). In patients with 2 DR antigens matched and 5 or more transfusions, the survival rate was 86%. Patients with zero or 1 DR antigen match had a higher graft survival rate if they had previously been transfused with more than 4 units of blood. Two-DR antigen-matched transplants have a higher chance of success than those with a zero or 1 antigen match. This effect is additive with transfusions.