Successful immunomodulation with intravenous gamma globulin and cyclophosphamide in an alloimmunized heart transplant recipient.

A highly human leukocyte antigen-sensitized heart transplant candidate underwent immunomodulation with intravenous gamma globulin and cyclophosphamide. His panel reactive antibody screen fell from 64% to 14%. He underwent successful orthotopic heart transplantation with a histoincompatible, T-cell cross-match-negative heart without the development of hyperacute rejection. The combination of intravenous gamma globulin and cyclophosphamide may be a simple and effective means to overcome the human leukocyte antigen-barrier in sensitized heart transplant candidates.