Successful ABO-incompatible heart transplantation in a child despite blood-group sensitization after ventricular assist device support

Pediatr Transplant. 2009 Sep;13(6):773-6. doi: 10.1111/j.1399-3046.2008.01030.x. Epub 2008 Dec 26.

Abstract

In the first two yr of life blood-group incompatible (ABO-incompatible) heart transplantation can be performed leading to immune tolerance to donor blood group. Antibody titers should be below 1:4. VAD use is correlated with sensitization toward blood-group antigens. A boy was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy at nine months of age and listed for 0-compatible transplantation. Progressive heart failure required implantation of a left VAD. His listing was extended for ABO-incompatible transplantation despite antibody titers of 1:32 anti-A and 1:8 anti-B. After 26 days on VAD, he was transplanted with a B donor heart. No hyperacute or acute rejection occurred in 12 months post-transplant. Anti-B antibodies rose to a maximum of 1:2. No use of rituximab or plasmapheresis was required. There are no signs of graft vasculopathy. This indicates that inclusion criteria for ABO-incompatible transplantation may be extended to immediate cases. This is the first case with a healthy immune system to show signs of tolerance development after ABO-incompatible heart transplantation with increased prior antibody titers and without specific treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • ABO Blood-Group System / immunology*
  • Blood Group Incompatibility / immunology
  • Graft Rejection
  • Heart Failure / therapy
  • Heart Transplantation / methods*
  • Heart-Assist Devices*
  • Humans
  • Immune System
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Time Factors
  • Transplantation Tolerance
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • ABO Blood-Group System