SHRI performs 1st ABO-incompatible kidney transplantation in NE

Dimapur, Nov. 20 (EMN): Shija Hospitals and Research Institute (SHRI), Manipur successfully conducted the first ABO-incompatible kidney transplantation in Northeast on Oct. 26.

An update informed that the transplantation team comprised Dr. Guliver Potsangbam, director and consultant nephrologist, Dr. Somorendro Paonam, consultant urologist and renal transplant surgeon, Dr. Mahele Maharabam, consultant urologist, Dr. Devendra Khwairakpam, consultant general and laparoscopic surgeon, and Dr. Heirangkhongjam Ranjana Devi, consultant transfusion medicine.

A 28-year male underwent ABO-incompatible (ABOi) living-related kidney transplantation, wherein he was preconditioned with immunosuppressants, followed by removal of the anti-A antibodies in the patient with Immunoadsorption columns. After ensuring a satisfactory antibody titre, the kidney transplantation was performed. Post transplantation, the patient had good diuresis and his graft continued to function normally. He had a rapid improvement in his well-being and was discharged on postoperative day seven with a normal graft function, it stated.

It said that in ABOi kidney transplantation, blood type incompatibility is the most common barrier. In the past, blood group incompatibility was an absolute contraindication to kidney transplantation because the preformed antibodies would cause a hyperacute rejection of the graft leading to immediate loss of the graft. With recent advances in preconditioning of the patient, kidney transplantation across the ABO barrier is now possible.

Shija Institute of Renal Science is recognised by the government of Manipur as the referral center for kidney transplants and is the second state in NE India to have a kidney transplant facility next to Guwahati, Assam. The institute offers comprehensive care and treatment for all types of kidney disorders at an affordable rate. It is equipped with state-of-the-art Dialysis technologies like CRRT, SLED, etc. along with 31 Dialysis machines and provides high-quality Hemodialysis, Peritoneal Dialysis, and CAPD. The hospital has completed 56 renal transplants so far, strictly following the transplant guidelines, it read.

It added that contrary to the belief of ABOi renal transplant being extremely expensive, needing elaborate infrastructure, SHRI has a relatively simple and cost-effective preconditioning protocol. Overcoming the blood group barrier would substantially increase the donor pool and help mitigate the woes of the incessantly increasing number of patients on the waiting list for renal transplantation. Successful kidney transplantation provides a longer and better quality of life than dialysis in end-stage kidney disease patients.