Highlights
- Scientists have examined outcomes of kidney transplant recipients with signs of microvascular inflammation.
- Results from the research will be presented at ASN Kidney Week 2024 October 23–27.
San Diego, CA (October 24, 2024) — Investigators recently uncovered key insights into newly defined rejection entities in kidney transplantation that may offer improved patient risk categorization post-transplant. The research will be presented at ASN Kidney Week 2024 October 23– 27.
Kidney transplant rejection continues to threaten the long-term success of kidney transplants, with microvascular inflammation (inflammation within capillaries) playing a pivotal role in graft failure. Due to its complex nature, this inflammation poses a major challenge in clinical practice. In response, the international Banff classification—the global standard for diagnosing transplant rejection—has redefined antibody-mediated rejection diagnostics by introducing two new categories of microvascular inflammation: mild microvascular inflammation with probable antibody-mediated rejection and microvascular inflammation in the absence of antibody-mediated responses.
In a landmark study analyzing more than 16,000 biopsies from almost 7,000 kidney transplant recipients, researchers found that many cases initially considered as non-rejection were reclassified into the newly defined categories of microvascular inflammation. Importantly, reclassified patients with microvascular inflammation in the absence of antibody-mediated responses displayed an increased risk of graft failure compared with those without signs of rejection, underscoring the importance of this new classification.
“Recognizing these phenotypes could improve risk stratification and support more personalized management for kidney transplant patients,” explains first author, Aurélie Sannier, pathologist and researcher at the Paris Institute for Transplantation and Organ Regeneration. “We encourage large studies in other organ transplants where microvascular inflammation is also a critical feature of antibody-mediated rejection.”
Study: “Kidney Allograft Microvascular Inflammation Reveals Distinct Phenotypes and Outcomes: A Multinational Cohort Study”
Join ASN and approximately 12,000 other kidney professionals from across the globe at Kidney Week 2024 in San Diego, CA. The world’s premier nephrology meeting, Kidney Week, provides participants with exciting and challenging opportunities to exchange knowledge, learn the latest scientific and medical advances, and listen to engaging and provocative discussions with leading experts in the field. Early programs begin on October 23, followed by the Annual Meeting from October 24-27. Follow the conversation at #KidneyWk.
About ASN
Since 1966, ASN has been leading the fight to prevent, treat, and cure kidney diseases throughout the world by educating health professionals and scientists, advancing research and innovation, communicating new knowledge and advocating for the highest quality care for patients. ASN has nearly 21,000 members representing 140 countries. For more information, visit www.asn-online.org and follow us on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
