The effect of eculizaumab combined with double filtration plasmapheresis in improving recovery outcomes in ABOi-KT patients.

BACKGROUND

ABO-incompatible kidney transplants are acceptable, but special considerations are critical. This study evaluated the efficacy of eculizumab, an antibody that blocks the cleavage of the complement C5 component into C5a by C5 convertase, combined with double filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP) in improving the outcomes of patients undergoing ABO-incompatible kidney transplantation (ABOi-KT), including transplant success rate, renal function, and quality of life.

METHODS

Sixty patients were divided into an experimental group (n = 30) that received combined treatment and a control group (n = 30) that received standard care. The key parameters assessed over three months after surgery included transplant success rate, antibody levels, renal function indicators, incidence of complications, and quality of life.

RESULTS

The experimental group was treated with eculizumab/DEPP therapy. The group demonstrated a significantly higher transplant success rate (90%) than the control group (70%; P < 0.05). Antibody levels (IgM and IgG) decreased substantially in the experimental group (P < 0.01). Renal function indicators, such as serum creatinine and urine output, showed greater impairment in the experimental group, reflecting the challenges of managing ABO incompatibility (P < 0.01). The overall complication rate was lower in the experimental group (7%) than in the control group (27%; P < 0.01). Additionally, quality of life assessments revealed significant improvements in the health survey questionnaire (SF-36) and depression scoring questionnaire (PHQ-9) scores in the experimental group (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Eculizumab combined with DFPP effectively enhanced transplant success rate, reduced complications, and improved quality of life among patients with ABO-incompatible kidney transplants, highlighting its potential as a valuable treatment strategy.