Diagnosis and treatment of antibody mediated rejection in lung transplantation: a retrospective case series.

INTRODUCTION

Antibody mediated rejection (AMR) has been identified as an entity that may lead to graft dysfunction. Optimal means for diagnosis and treatment of AMR have not been established.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We reviewed the medical records of all patients receiving lung transplantation at Henry Ford Hospital from March 2006 to December 2011. For each patient, we identified potential markers of AMR (immunopathology, histopathology, and serology). Immunopathology was defined as linear c4d immunostaining, histopathology was defined as capillaritis, and serology was defined as identification of donor specific antibody (DSA). We identified all treatment regimens, and we identified clinical and serological outcomes.

RESULTS

Of 62 patients, 14 were identified with at least one marker of AMR. Only two patients had all three potential markers; immunopathology, histopathology, and serology. Both patients received plasmapheresis (PP) and intravenous immunoglobulin followed by clinical improvement and ultimate elimination of DSA. 4 patients had positive DSA without clinical symptoms, and did not receive treatment with PP, IVIG, or rituximab. DSA has not persisted in these patients, and they remain clinically asymptomatic at up to 803days after identification.

DISCUSSION

Diagnosis of AMR is difficult due to poorly defined diagnostic markers and confounding factors such as infection. Outcomes are highly variable following treatment that may include therapeutic plasma exchange, intravenous immunoglobulin, and/or rituximab. It is not clear when any or all of these therapies are beneficial. In some cases, symptomatic patients with isolated positive DSA (latent humoral response) can remain asymptomatic and convert to negative DSA without antibody targeted therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Firm conclusions are difficult due to the small number of patients and the retrospective nature of the study. Further study is warranted.