Negative cross-match selection of HLA-DR compatible kidneys for highly sensitised patients

Patients who have developed alloantibodies against almost all foreign HLA antigens are very difficult to transplant, because the cross-match with potential donors is often positive. The ideal donor for such patients is an HLA identical or compatible donor, but due to the enormous polymorphism of the HLA complex, the chance of finding such a donor is very small. The acceptable mismatch program, which takes advantage of the HLA-A and B antigens toward which the patient has not developed antibodies, and HLA-DR matching in the computerised selection of kidney donors, has significantly decreased the waiting time for these highly sensitised patients. Furthermore, graft survival is similar to that of non-highly sensitised patients.