New Scheme at Hammersmith Hospital Targets Improved Blood Compatibility to Enhance Transplant Success

In a bid to reduce the likelihood of kidney transplant rejection, NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) has introduced a pioneering approach that involves double matching blood for kidney transplant patients. This new method ensures not only that the blood type is compatible, but also that white blood cells – crucial for immune system responses – are as closely matched as possible between the blood donor and the transplant recipient.

The trial, which is taking place at Hammersmith Hospital in London, will serve as a pilot scheme. If successful, it could be implemented across the UK. Kidney transplant patients often require blood transfusions either before or after the procedure, and about 1,000 such patients a year also receive these transfusions. The aim of this scheme is to enhance the success rate of these transfusions, which could, in turn, improve the chances of organ acceptance and reduce the need for re-transplants.

Dr Colin Brown, an NHSBT consultant clinical scientist, explained the importance of this development: “In this pilot programme, we are going to HLA-match red blood cell transfusions for renal transplant patients to avoid sensitisation against the donor kidney and so reduce the risk of kidney transplant rejection. If a patient produces antibodies in response to the transfusion, this can lead to difficulties finding a suitable match in the future.”

The introduction of HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) matching, also known as tissue typing, is particularly crucial for patients who have already developed antibodies due to previous transfusions. These antibodies can lead to increased risks of transplant rejection, as the body’s immune system may attack the transplanted kidney. By closely matching the white blood cells between the donor and recipient, the likelihood of these antibodies forming will be minimised, potentially improving transplant outcomes.

Gemma Louis, 44, from Chester-le-Street, shared her experience of waiting for a kidney transplant after developing antibodies due to a previous transfusion. “I knew I would have a long wait purely because of the antibodies I developed to the transfusion. It’s harder to find a match which won’t be rejected. This programme sounds like it could potentially help people like me in the future.”

Similarly, Alisha Gorkani, 25, from Sidcup, has been waiting seven years for a transplant due to her complex medical history, which includes developing antibodies from prior blood transfusions. She expressed hope that this new programme could significantly improve the odds for people like her, who face extended waiting times for a suitable donor kidney.

As of March 2024, there are 5,870 people on the kidney transplant waiting list in the UK. This innovative blood matching approach could have a transformative impact, saving up to 100 kidney transplants annually, according to Dr Brown’s projections.