[Cadaveric kidney transplantation and HLA typing in Switzerland 1977-1981. Combined analysis of Swisstransplant and EDTA Registry].

Graft survival for cadaveric kidneys transplanted in Switzerland between 1977 and 1981 was analysed according to HLA matching grade. Most if not all recipients had received blood transfusions before grafting. One year survival for first cadaveric grafts averaged 72 +/- 4% and differed little between groups of transplants with widely varying tissue matching grades both at the HLA A/B as well as DR loci. Hyperimmunized recipients with cytotoxic antibodies to over 50% of a random blood donor panel had equally satisfactory graft survival, particularly when matched according to Swisstransplant kidney exchange rules (2 or more HLA A/B identities, 1 or no HLA A/B mismatch). The 81 second cadaveric grafts had a 1-year survival of 60 +/- 8%. Swisstransplant policy, of restricting organ exchange between centres to kidneys for hyperimmunized recipients, appears to have saved time and resources without jeopardizing transplant results.