Effect of a strict HLA matching policy on distribution of cadaveric kidney transplants to Indo-Asian and white European recipients: regional study

Abstract

The matching of donor and recipient for HLA type is an important factor in determining the survival of kidney grafts.1 Our unit participates in national and regional organ sharing schemes and allocates locally donated kidneys according to HLA matching. Consequently only 2% of our transplants have had two mismatches for HLA-DR. This policy could put patients whose HLA types differ from those in the donor population at a disadvantage.2 In this study we measured the rates of end stage renal failure, kidney donation from cadavers, and kidney transplantation in the white European and Indo-Asian populations of Coventry and Warwickshire. Data on the adult population in Coventry and Warwickshire were obtained from the 1991 national census. Patient records from 1988 to 1995 inclusive were examined to determine the patient's place of residence. The …