Persistence of anti-human leukocyte antibodies in congenital heart disease late after surgery using allografts and whole blood

Exposure to allograft at the Norwood procedure is associated with long-term sensitization to anti-HLA antibodies in 56% of patients. Sensitization also occurs in those without prior exposure to allografts, may decrease over time, and appears related to whole blood. These findings have implications for those in whom heart transplant is considered late in the clinical course.