Comparing Outcomes of Spousal Kidney Transplants with Living-Related Donors in DSA-Positive Recipients: Is the Risk Increased in Husband-to-Wife Donation?

Ozkara F., HABERAL G., YETER H. H., YILDIRIM T., ERDEM Y., YILMAZ Ş. R.

NEPHRON, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1159/000549594
  • Journal Name: NEPHRON
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, EMBASE
  • Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Introduction: The number of spousal donor transplantation (SDT) has increased since the early 1990s. Although the SDT is performed successfully today, several concerns remain regarding compatibility. In particular, in husband-to-wife donations, donor-specific antibodies (DSAs) positivity may develop as a consequence of previous pregnancies, thereby posing a risk to graft survival. However, data on outcomes in recipients with a history of pregnancy and the development of DSA are limited. In this study, we aimed to compare the outcomes of transplantation between high-risk spouses and transplantation from living donors. Methods: This study was conducted in our nephrology and transplantation department. It involved 59 spousal donors and 72 living-related donors with DSAs who were older than >18 years of age. We evaluated the consecutive patients who had kidney transplantation between 2010 and 2020. Results: We analyzed data from 59 SDTs with 72 living-related donor transplants (LRDTs) with DSA positivity. Within the first year after transplantation, the acute rejection rate was highest in the husband-to-wife (H-to-W) group (p = 0.01). Compared with LRDT, H-to-W transplants were associated with an increased risk of acute rejection (OR [95% CI]: 4.231 [1.122-15.957], p = 0.03). Cox regression analysis demonstrated a higher risk of rejection in kidney transplants from H to W within the first year of kidney transplantation (HR: 3.734 [95% CI: 1.087-12.825], p = 0.03). There was no increase in creatinine doubling time between groups and no increase in risk of rejection in 5 years. During the follow-up period, graft loss was reported in 3 patients, comprising 2 in the LRDT group and 1 in the W-to-H group. Conclusion: SDT, particularly when DSA has developed, appears to be associated with a higher risk of rejection during the first year compared with LRDT with similar DSA. Nevertheless, similar graft survival suggests that H-to-W spousal transplants appear to be safe in the long term.