HLA-DR typing in cadaver kidney donors and recipients in Copenhagen

Among 224 cadaver kidney transplantations performed since Spring 1977, successful DR typing of both donor and recipient could be done in 149 cases. Assessment of DR match grade and clinical data was done independently. The minimum observation time was 3 months and the time of follow up was 1 December, 1980. There was an effect of DR matching which became significant when only 1. transplants were considered and high risk recipients (i.e. diabetics) excluded. Transfusions were of minor importance on graft survival and the difference was only obvious in the first year after transplantation. Matching for HLA-A, B antigen had no obvious effect on graft survival in this material.