Antibody-medicated rejection after heart transplantation: diagnosis and clinical implications

Purpose of review The present article will review the diagnosis of antibody-mediated rejection in heart transplant recipients and further explore the clinical implications. Recent findings Improved diagnostic techniques have led to increased recognition of antibody-mediated rejection and better understanding of the long-term consequences in heart transplant recipients. Endomyocardial biopsy remains the gold standard for the diagnosis of antibody-medicated ejection; however, several advances in molecular testing have emerged, including the use of gene expression profiling, messenger RNA, and microRNA. Routine surveillance of donor-specific antibodies identifies recipients at high risk for graft compromise. Additionally, new monoclonal antibody therapies have broadened our repertoire in the treatment of rejection. Summary Advances in molecular testing for antibody-mediated rejection may improve the associated long-term complication, while minimizing risk to the patient.
Source: Current Opinion in Organ Transplantation - Category: Surgery Tags: HEART TRANSPLANTATION: Edited by Ugolino Livi Source Type: research