Long-term isoagglutinin monitoring after ABO-incompatible kidney transplantation

This study aimed to evaluate whether a 2-week period of daily isoagglutinin titer testing after ABO-incompatible kidney transplantation (ABOi-KT) is sufficient to ensure successful engraftment and to advocate for an extension of the monitoring duration in specific situations.

We reviewed patients from January 2022 to December 2023 at Asan Medical Center who underwent therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) due to elevated ABO antibody titers and suspected acute antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) after ABOi-KT. Data collected included pre- and posttransplantation laboratory results, clinical and procedural information, imaging studies, and needle biopsy results of the renal graft.

We encountered 3 cases of acute AMR 2 weeks after transplantation. All cases exhibited simultaneous increases in anti-ABO antibody isoagglutinin titers, creatinine, and C-reactive protein levels. Clinical signs, including fever, suggested possible infection, and renal graft biopsy, confirmed AMR in all cases. Two cases underwent graftectomy, while the third recovered renal function after conservative treatment, including TPE.

Our findings suggest that a 2-week monitoring period for isoagglutinin titers after ABOi-KT may not be sufficient to detect late AMR. Extending the monitoring duration and considering lifelong fresh-frozen plasma transfusion with graft-compatible blood types, along with periodic isoagglutinin titer testing in cases of suspected AMR, may improve long-term graft outcomes.