ABO Incompatible Kidney Transplant in Kochi

Traditionally, compatible blood groups between a kidney donor and recipient have been an important consideration in transplantation. However, specialised transplant protocols may enable selected patients to undergo an ABO incompatible kidney transplant, even when the living donor and recipient do not have conventionally compatible blood groups.

The ABO Incompatible Kidney Transplant Programme at Apollo Adlux Hospital, Kochi provides detailed immunological assessment, specialised preparation and multidisciplinary transplant care for appropriately selected donor-recipient pairs.

What Is an ABO Incompatible Kidney Transplant?

Blood groups are classified as A, B, AB and O. When a kidney is transplanted across certain incompatible ABO blood groups, naturally occurring antibodies in the recipient can react against blood-group antigens associated with the donor organ.

ABO incompatible transplantation therefore requires specialised evaluation and treatment strategies designed to reduce or control these antibodies before and after transplantation. Not every patient is suitable for an ABO incompatible transplant. Eligibility is determined only after detailed assessment by the transplant team.

Evaluation Before ABO Incompatible Transplantation

Assessment may involve:

• Donor and recipient blood group testing
• Antibody titre assessment
• Tissue typing and crossmatch testing
• Kidney function evaluation
• Infection screening
• Cardiovascular assessment
• General transplant fitness evaluation
• Detailed donor assessment

Based on the results, the transplant team determines whether transplantation across the blood-group barrier can be considered.

Desensitisation Before Transplant

Selected patients may require a desensitisation protocol before transplantation. The exact protocol varies according to antibody levels and individual clinical circumstances. Treatment may involve therapies aimed at lowering or controlling antibodies together with specialised immunosuppressive treatment. The patient's antibody levels and clinical condition are monitored carefully throughout preparation for transplantation.

Transplant and Post-Transplant Care

Following successful preparation, kidney transplantation is performed using established transplant surgical techniques. Post-transplant care includes close monitoring of kidney function, antibody levels where clinically required, rejection risk, infection and the effects of immunosuppressive medications.

ABO Incompatible Kidney Transplantation at Apollo Adlux Hospital. The programme combines nephrology, transplant surgery, immunology, critical care, infectious disease expertise and advanced laboratory support to provide coordinated care for patients being considered for incompatible transplantation.