In the past, an immediate Transplant rejection would occur if a recipient’s Blood contained antibodies that reacted to their donor’s blood type, significantly impeding the success of the transplant. Matching ABO blood types between recipients and donors was the only viable choice.

However, medical advancements have made ABO-incompatible Kidney transplants possible between certain recipients and living donors. As a result, some individuals spent less time on transplant waiting lists because they had the opportunity to receive a kidney from a living donor with a different blood type.

Before and during an ABO incompatible kidney transplant, patients receive specialized medical care aimed at reducing blood antibody levels and minimizing the risk of rejection. This treatment includes:

• Removing antibodies from the bloodstream through plasmapheresis.
• Administering antibodies intravenously to protect against infections (intravenous immunoglobulin).
• Providing additional medications to safeguard the new kidney from potential antibody-related complications.

Understanding ABO Transplant

ABO transplant refers to the transplantation of kidneys between donors and recipients with different blood types. Traditionally, blood type compatibility was a strict requirement for kidney transplants to minimize the risk of organ rejection. However, advancements in medical science have made it possible to perform ABO-incompatible transplants with excellent outcomes.

What Is Blood Type Compatibility

Blood type compatibility refers to the compatibility or matching of specific blood types between individuals when it comes to blood transfusions or organ transplantation. The compatibility is primarily determined by the presence or absence of specific antigens on the surface of red blood cells. The most important blood group systems are the ABO system and the Rh factor (positive or negative).

Here’s a brief overview of blood type compatibility:

ABO Blood Group: The ABO blood group system classifies blood into four main types: A, B, AB, and O. Compatibility in this system is as follows:

• Type A can receive blood from A and O donors.
• Type B can receive blood from B and O donors.
• Type AB can receive blood from A, B, AB, and O donors (universal recipient).
• Type O can receive blood only from O donors (universal donor).

Rh Factor: The Rh factor is another crucial factor in blood compatibility. If an individual is Rh-positive, they can receive Rh-positive or Rh-negative blood. However, Rh-negative individuals should ideally receive Rh-negative blood.

In organ transplantation, such as kidney or liver transplants, compatibility extends beyond the ABO and Rh factors. Compatibility testing includes other blood markers and tissue compatibility to reduce the risk of rejection and improve the chances of a successful transplant.

Blood type compatibility is essential to ensure safe blood transfusions and successful organ transplants, as mismatched blood types can lead to serious complications and rejection of the transfused blood or transplanted organ.

The Medical Treatment For Kidney Transplant Rejection

• Plasmapheresis is the process of removing blood’s antibodies.
• Intravenous immunoglobulin injections are injections of antibodies into the body that shield the recipient from infections.
• Injecting more drugs to prevent antibodies from attacking the new kidney
• When a recipient’s antibodies react against a donor’s tissue and cells, researchers have also effectively created therapeutic techniques to reduce the likelihood that the kidney would be rejected. Positive crossmatch kidney transplant is the phrase used to describe this form of therapy. Additionally, researchers are still examining the impact of antibodies after transplant and new therapies to lower antibody levels. Once more, the goal of this is to avoid kidney transplant rejection.

Cost is an important consideration for patients seeking kidney transplants, especially for those traveling from abroad. India offers highly competitive pricing for ABO transplants compared to other countries. The cost of a kidney transplant in India can vary depending on factors such as the chosen hospital, surgeon’s expertise, and post-operative care. 

The Benefits of ABO Transplant

ABO transplant offers several advantages for chronic kidney patients. Firstly, it expands the pool of potential donors, allowing patients to find suitable matches even when their blood types don’t match. This significantly reduces the waiting time for a transplant, which is crucial for patients in critical condition. Additionally, ABO transplants can improve long-term outcomes and survival rates for patients who would otherwise face limited options.

Best Hospitals for Kidney Transplant in India

When it comes to ABO transplant, choosing the right hospital is vital for a successful procedure. India has emerged as a global hub for affordable and high-quality healthcare, including kidney transplants. Some of the best hospitals for kidney transplants in India have some of the best cutting-edge types of equipment and have some of the best doctors.  These hospitals have experienced transplant teams, state-of-the-art facilities, and a track record of successful ABO transplant surgeries.

• Fortis Hospital Gurgaon
• Indraprastha Apollo Hospital New Delhi
• Manipal Hospital Dwarka, Delhi
• HCG Cancer Centre, Bangalore
• Amrita Hospital, Faridabad
• Global Hospital Mumbai
• MGM Healthcare, Chennai

Conclusion

ABO transplant has opened new possibilities for chronic kidney patients, providing hope for those facing compatibility challenges. With the advancements in medical science and the availability of world-class healthcare facilities, India stands out as an ideal destination for ABO transplants. The best hospitals in India offer expertise, affordability, and a commitment to patient care, making them a ray of hope for patients in need.

Reference

• https://www.cedars-sinai.org/programs/transplant-center/programs/kidney-pancreas/kidney-transplant/abo-incompatibility.html
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8465511/
• https://www.organindia.org/ORGAN-DONATION/kidney-transplantation-a-new-age/

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