Expanding Horizons in Kidney Transplantation – ABO-I Transplants

ABO blood group incompatibility (ABO-I) was once considered a strict barrier to kidney transplantation due to the risk of acute antibody-mediated rejection and early graft failure. However, with significant advancements in immunosuppressive therapies and desensitization protocols, this once rigid boundary is being successfully challenged.

The demand for kidney transplants continues to outpace the availability of compatible donors. In this context, ABO-incompatible (ABO-I) kidney transplantation offers an additional option, particularly for patients who face difficulty in finding a compatible match.

Understanding ABO-I Kidney Transplantation

Kidney transplantation is an established treatment for end-stage renal disease (ESRD), offering improved survival and quality of life compared to long-term dialysis. ABO-I transplantation is based on two principles:

• Reduction or removal of antibodies against the donor’s blood group
• Prevention of antibody rebound through tailored immunosuppression

With current protocols, ABO-I kidney transplantation has shown outcomes that are comparable to compatible transplants, both in patient survival and graft function.

Potential Benefits of ABO-I Transplantation

• Broader Donor Options
• Shorter Waiting Periods
• Increased Possibility for Living Donation
• Applicable for Select Cases

Kidney Transplant Services at Yashoda Hospitals

Yashoda Hospitals provides kidney transplantation for individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and ESRD. The transplant program includes evaluation, donor matching, surgery, and post-transplant care, supported by a team of nephrologists, transplant surgeons, anesthesiologists, and specialized nursing staff. As a quaternary care facility, Yashoda Hospitals manages a range of transplant cases, including ABO-incompatible transplants. Each case is assessed individually, and treatment plans are designed based on clinical protocols and patient-specific factors.

What Patients Can Expect

Individualized assessment and treatment planning, Clinical protocols that incorporate current best practices, Facility equipped for high-complexity transplant care, Multidisciplinary team approach.

Yashoda Hospitals Kidney Transplant Unit is not just breaking barriers — it’s transforming lives. By embracing innovations like ABO-incompatible transplantation, we are ensuring that more patients get the life-saving care they deserve, when they need it most.