What is the Kidney for Life Initiative?
The Kidney for Life initiative utilizes a four-step process to derive the HLA eplet mismatch risk, which is a better predictor of de novo DSA than the antigen mismatch approach.
The Kidney for Life initiative utilizes the latest generation in DNA sequencing technology to assess the histologic match between patients and donors. This assessment allows our transplant centers to better select donors for specific recipients by better understanding the epitope mismatch risk between the donor and recipient. Epitope mismatch risk assessment is a more accurate matching technology than traditional antigen matching.[1]
After transplant, immunosuppressive medications keep the transplanted organ from being rejected. These immunosuppressive medications have side effects. Therefore, dosages should be appropriately minimized, when possible. Studies have shown that getting a low-risk match based on epitope mismatch risk assessment creates an opportunity to safely reduce immunosuppression dosages.[2]
Research Summary: Click the column header to access the research paper
| Variable | Eurotransplant | Canada | Canada | Belgium | Colorado |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | 2017 | 2017 | 2019 | 2020 | 2020 |
| Sample Size | 2,787 | 596 | 664 | 926 | 444 |
| MFI Cutoff | 1,000 | 500 | 500 | 500 | 500 |
| % De Novo DSA | 15.8% | 11.0% | 12.4% | 4.6% | 18.5% |
| 1st Year DSA Timeframe | Unk | 0, 3, 12 months | 0, 3, 12 months | 0, 3, 12 months | 1, 6, 12 months |
| DSA Testing after 1 year | Every 12 months | Every 12 months | Every 12 months | Every 12 months | None |
| % Living Donor TXP | 22% | 48% | 49% | 5% | 47% |
| Alloimmunity Stratification | |||||
| High | 30% | 54% | 39% | 29% | 39% |
| Medium | 60% | N/A | 36% | 68% | 34% |
| Low | 10% | 46% | 25% | 3% | 27% |