This study was performed to compare the sensitivity of flow cytometry crossmatch(FCXM) with conventional lymphocytotoxic crossmatch(CXM), and its clinical impact. Total 174 pair of sera from potential living renal transplant donors and recipients were tested from Jan. 5, 1995 to April 3, 1996 with conventional CXM and FCXM at Kangnam St. Mary's hospital. Of 174 potential living donor/ recipient pairs, two (1.1%) had positive warm T (TW)/CXM, 3(1.7%) positive warm B(BW)/CXM, and 5(2.9%) positive warm TandB/CXM. Of 164 potential CXM-negative living donor/recipient pairs evaluated with FCXM, ten (6%) had positive T/ FCXM, and thirty one (19%) positive B/FCXM. Of 45 living donor renal transplantation with negative TW/CXM, one (2.2%) had a positive BW/CXM, 11 (24.4%) positive B/FCXM, and 2 (4.4%) positive T/ FCXM. They had been followed up over 3 months. Acute rejection episodes were observed in 8 patients. Of these patients, two had positive B/FCXM and one had a positive T/FCXM. In conclusion, FCXM is more sensitive than conventional CXM. Further follow-up study is necessary to know whether this higher sensitivity leads to fewer graft rejection.
Flow Cytometry* ; Follow-Up Studies ; Graft Rejection ; Humans ; Kidney Transplantation* ; Living Donors* ; Tissue Donors