Belgian Consensus Guidelines Within Eurotransplant on Imlifidase-enabled Deceased Donor Kidney Transplantation in Highly Sensitized Patients

Abstract

Highly sensitized (HS) kidney transplant (KTx) candidates, that is, typically considered internationally as those with panel-reactive antibody levels of >85%, remain a substantial subpopulation of patients with low chance of receiving a compatible organ. Among its many objectives, Eurotransplant-an international transplant organ allocation network serving 8 European countries-aims to improve the management of HS KTx candidates through its prioritized "acceptable mismatch" (AM) program. However, despite this program, some HS patients within the Eurotransplant network who have panel-reactive antibodies >85% still cannot access donor kidneys. For patients who remain in the AM program for ≥3 y without undergoing transplantation, an additional prioritization strategy has been implemented. This involves defining further AMs to allow for desensitization with imlifidase within the AM program. While the AM desensitization program was being developed, the Belgian Imlifidase Scientific Expert Group within the Eurotransplant network independently recognized the need for guidelines on imlifidase desensitization for real-world use in HS KTx candidates (including both AM and Eurotransplant Kidney Allocation System patients). This article describes the consensus guidelines they subsequently developed, which represent a model that any center within the Eurotransplant region could adapt or apply in clinical practice when treating HS KTx candidates who require imlifidase desensitization. The consensus guidelines include patient eligibility criteria for imlifidase treatment that align with Eurotransplant allocation rules and incorporate posttransplant management strategies for HS patients. These guidelines are dynamic and will be reviewed and updated regularly as Eurotransplant rules change and imlifidase experience grows.