Transplantation rate of the blood group B waiting list is increased by using A(2) and A(2)B kidneys

Background. We have increased the transplantation rate for blood group B ca daveric waiting list candidates by transplanting them with A(2) and A(2)B k idneys. Methods. Since 1991, five of the seven renal transplant programs in our org an procurement organization service area have preferentially transplanted b lood group A(2) and A(2)B cadaveric kidneys to B blood group waiting list c andidates with histories of low anti-A isoagglutinin titers. Results. Between 1991 and 1997, these five centers performed transplantatio ns on 71 patients from the B cadaveric: waiting list. Of those 71 patients, 29% (21 of 71) underwent transplantation with either A(2) (n = 18) or A(2) B (n = 3) cadaveric kidneys. In 1997 alone, 48% (11 of 23) of the B patient transplant recipients received A,or A(2)B kidneys. Conclusions. Transplantation of A(2) and A(2)B kidneys into B waiting list patients has successfully increased access of B patients to kidneys. Such a n allocation algorithm implemented nationally may similarly increase the tr ansplantation rate of B waiting list candidates.