[The selection of organ recipients according to the ABO blood group match. Theory and practice].

The AB0 distribution of the population of Vienna is compared with HLA A, B, C, DR typed transplanted patients (n = 780), kidney donors and potential recipients on the waiting list. The significant differences of AB0 distribution is caused by using group 0 kidney donors for non-0 recipients and donors of groups 0, A and B for group AB recipients. This procedure minimizes the chance of group 0 patients to receive transplants and should be kept in mind by the selection of DR compatible recipients. It is also known that group 0 grafts can develop immune anti A or anti B to the (non-group 0) host, resulting in destruction of the recipient's red cells. The development of such acquired haemolytic anaemia occurs with cyclosporin A medication for immunosuppression.