HLA matching and kidney allograft function, experience from a South African transplant centre

Abstract

There have been controversies regarding the role of HLA matching in kidney allograft survival. While recent studies have reported the diminishing importance of HLA matching, others have suggested the continuing importance of these loci. We examined the role of HLA matching in kidney allograft function in a South African transplant centre.

Methods

One hundred kidney transplant recipients were grouped into seven, based on their HLA matching. A comparison was made between groups in terms of their graft function, proteinuria, number and type of biopsy-proven rejection.

Results

Graft function measured using estimated glomerular filtration rate is higher in kidney transplant recipients with higher HLA match (p=0.033). However, there was no difference in proteinuria (p=0.786) or biopsy proven rejection (p=0.773)

Conclusion

HLA matching has a significant relationship with kidney allograft function; the impact of this matching on proteinuria and incidence of graft rejection is not marked. Improving on the HLA matching before kidney transplantation is recommended for better allograft function.