[HLA-DR as a criterion in the selection of organ recipients]

HLA-identity or -compatibility between recipient and donor in cases of organ transplantation results in an improvement of graft survival. Taking into account 10 HLA-DR antigens, the chance to get DR-identical or -compatible recipient/donor pairs is calculated. The total number of HLA-DR identity is approximately 3% and of compatibility approximately 8%. The ABO blood groups are included into these considerations. The expected figures of ABO identity and of ABO compatibility in recipient/donor pairs are combined in some examples with the figures of the HLA-DR system. In cases of already known HLA-DR type and ABO group of the potential recipient, the chance to find an identical or compatible donor is equal the frequency of the patients particular HLA-DR type and ABO group in the population.