Positive lymphocytotoxic crossmatch does not adversely affect survival in living donor liver transplantation

Abstract

Background/aims: The influence of lymphocytotoxic crossmatch on survival or acute rejection in liver transplantation remains controversial. Data regarding graft survival and acute rejection of living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) are limited.

Methods: We retrospectively examined the influence of a positive T or B lymphocytotoxic crossmatch on survival and acute rejection in patients using a database of 414 consecutive LDLT cases.

Results: The rejection-free rate at 90 days after LDLT was lower in patients that were T crossmatch-positive compared to patients that were both T and B crossmatch-negative (52 vs. 74%, p = 0.03). No patients with a positive lymphocytotoxic crossmatch died due to immunologic causes. The crossmatch results had no effect on graft survival.

Conclusion: In the positive crossmatch groups, there was no acute rejection that was untreatable or that caused graft loss. These findings indicate that a positive crossmatch graft should not be considered a contraindication for LDLT.