A Lifetime Versus a Graft Life Approach Redefines the Importance of HLA Matching in Kidney Transplant Patients

Abstract

Although there might be a limited impact of HLA matching on acute rejection and graft survival, many patients might be negatively impacted from poor HLA matching of their first kidney transplant when needing a second transplant. This might be particularly important in patients with a long life expectancy because of the high likelihood of needing a second transplant during their lifetime.