HLA, MLR, P and Lewis antigens and living donor renal transplantation in a single centre in the Middle East

One hundred and fifty-one living donor renal transplants performed in a single centre in Kuwait were analysed for graft survival in relation to HLA matching, mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR), P and Lewis antigens. There was a significant difference in graft survival (P = .05) but only at 3, 4 and 5 years between HLA identical (97%, 94%, 94%) and haploidentical combinations (83%, 81% and 79%), respectively. The zero haplotype matched combinations were not significantly different in graft survival from the identical or haploidentical groups. Compatibility or incompatibility for P or Lewis antigens did not influence graft survival. The MLR was significant (P = .05) with the MLR negative recipients having 100% graft survival at 4 years compared to 84% in the MLR positive group. In conclusion with an overall actuarial graft survival of 84% at 6 years none of the factors examined ‘dramatically’ influenced graft survival. The ‘Centre Effect’ is the main factor influencing graft survival in our Centre.