Comparison of complement-dependent cytotoxic and flow-cytometry crossmatch results before cadaveric kidney

T K Ayna1, M Soyöz, Y Kurtulmuş

  • 1Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Izmir Katip Çelebi University, Izmir, Turkey. tulayayna@gmail.com

Insights

Comparing kidney transplant crossmatch methods, this study found significant discordance between complement-dependent cytotoxic crossmatch (CDCXM) and flow cytometry crossmatch (FCXM). Both methods are suggested for detecting donor-specific antibodies (DSA) to improve graft survival.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Transplantation Science
  • Clinical Chemistry

Background:

  • Donor-specific antibodies (DSA) significantly reduce kidney graft survival.
  • Accurate crossmatch testing is crucial for pre-kidney transplantation assessment.
  • Previous immunization history is a key factor in positive crossmatch results.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the results of complement-dependent cytotoxic crossmatch (CDCXM) and flow cytometry crossmatch (FCXM) in kidney transplantation candidates.
  • To evaluate the concordance and discordance rates between CDCXM and FCXM.
  • To assess the clinical implications of differing crossmatch results for cadaveric renal donation.

Main Methods:

  • Tested 47 kidney transplantation candidates, including 10 for cadaveric donor organs.
  • Performed both CDCXM and FCXM using spleen cells as the lymphocyte source.
  • Analyzed T and B cell ratios and calculated concordance/discordance ratios between the two methods.

Main Results:

  • A concordance rate of 76.6% was observed between CDCXM and FCXM, with 23.4% discordant results.
  • Discordant results included 4.2% positive CDCXM/negative FCXM and 191% negative CDCXM/positive FCXM.
  • All positive crossmatches were associated with prior patient immunization history.

Conclusions:

  • The study suggests potential issues with FCXM washing procedures affecting antigen-antibody complexes, leading to false negatives.
  • CDCXM detects critical IgG1 and IgG3, while FCXM detects all IgG subgroups due to higher sensitivity.
  • Performing both CDCXM and FCXM is recommended as a preferable strategy for detecting DSAs to improve kidney transplant outcomes.
Abstract