Immediate Antibody-Mediated (Hyperacute) Rejection in Small-Bowel Transplantation and Relationship to Cross-Match Status and Donor-Specific C4d-Binding Antibodies: Case Report

BackgroundThe role of preformed donor-specific antibodies (DSAs) as a barrier to isolated intestinal transplantation (ITx) remains ambiguous; thus, a positive cross-match has not been a contraindication to ITx.ObjectiveTo report the case of a patient with Crohn's disease who underwent ITx and developed immediate antibody-mediated rejection on reperfusion of the allograft.MethodsPercent reactive antibody testing was performed using pretransplantation serum samples and at transplantation using bead-based assays (Luminex, Luminex Corp, Austin, Tex) and flow cytometry solid-phase assays (FlowPRA single-antigen beads (One Lambda, Inc, Canoga Park, Calif). Serologic tests, flow cytometry cross-matching, and flow cytometry assays of C4d-binding serum antibodies were also performed. Histologic and immunofluorescent analysis of biopsy specimens was performed.ResultsHLA typing revealed no sharing of class I or II antigens between donor and recipient. Pretransplantation donor-specific antibodies (DSA) were present at transplantation. Cross-matching (performed during surgery) was positive for class I and II by serologic testing and flow cytometry. After reperfusion, the graft immediately developed severe ischemic injury and arteritis on mucosal biopsy specimens, with immunoglobulin deposition. The DSA C4d binding antibodies were also present. After intense immunosuppression and plasmapheresis, the graft and the biopsy histologic findings showed marked improvement (day 2). By day 7 posttransplantation, patient and graft status were stable. The patient has remained clinically stable for more than a year after transplantation.ConclusionsPretransplant DSA in ITx can be a risk factor for immediate (hyperacute) but potentially reversible antibody-mediated rejection. Thus, pretransplantation DSA and cross-match results are critical components to be considered in patients awaiting or undergoing ITx.