Comparison of combination Plasmapheresis/IVIg/anti-CD20 versus high-dose IVIg in the treatment of antibody-mediated rejection

Am J Transplant. 2009 May;9(5):1099-107. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-6143.2009.02591.x.

Abstract

Different strategies appear to improve the success in treatment of antibody-mediated rejection (AMR), although no one best method has yet emerged. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of the combination of Plasmapheresis/intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg)/anti-CD20-based regimes versus high-dose IVIg alone in the treatment of AMR. Group A (12 patients) was treated with high-dose IVIg between January 2000 and December 2003; group B (12 patients) was treated by Plasmapheresis/IVIg/anti-CD20 between January 2004 and December 2005. Graft survival at 36 months was 91.7% in group B versus 50% in group A (p = 0.02). Donor-specific human leukocyte antigens (DSA) levels detected by Luminex single antigen (Luminex SA) and ELISA, 3 months postrejection are significantly lower in group B than in group A: DSA ELISA class 2 score 6-8 (p = 0.02), DSA mean intensity of fluorescence (MFI) max (p = 0.009) and DSA mean MFI (p = 0.0004). The persistence of elevated DSA levels posttreatment is more frequent in patients with graft loss as compared to those with preserved renal function: score 6-8 on ELISA (p = 0.04); mean MFI (p = 0.00009) and MFImax (p = 0.018). We conclude that: (1) high dose IVIg alone is inferior to Plasmapheresis/IVIg/anti-CD20 as therapy for AMR and (2)DSA postrejection can be quantified using solid phase assays, showing that 3 months after AMR, DSA levels are higher in patients with graft loss.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Antibody Formation
  • Antigens, CD20 / immunology*
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Biopsy
  • Combined Modality Therapy*
  • Female
  • Glomerulosclerosis, Focal Segmental / surgery*
  • Graft Rejection / immunology
  • Graft Rejection / pathology
  • Graft Rejection / prevention & control*
  • HLA Antigens / immunology
  • HLA-A Antigens / immunology
  • HLA-B Antigens / immunology
  • Histocompatibility Testing
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / therapeutic use*
  • Isoantibodies / blood*
  • Isoantibodies / immunology
  • Kidney Transplantation / immunology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Plasmapheresis*
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antigens, CD20
  • HLA Antigens
  • HLA-A Antigens
  • HLA-B Antigens
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous
  • Isoantibodies