Abo-Incompatible Heart Transplant In Pediatric Population

Introduction and objectives: ABO-incompatible cardiac transplantation began in 2001 and since then there have been several centers that have adopted this strategy. We describe the first 2 patients transplanted in Spain with incompatible ABO donor as well as the protocol used.Methods: The fundamental requirement to be included in the ABO-incompatible cardiac transplant list established in our center and according to other more experienced centers is to have an isohemagglutinin titre less than or equal to 1:8. Periodic determinations of isohemagglutinins are required and it may be necessary to perform several exchange transfusions at the time of transplantation. After transplantation, the following transfusion policy will be maintained for life: red blood cells from the recipient group or group 0, plasma AB and platelets AB or washed.Results: We performed 2 transplants in our center with an incompatible ABO donor. Both recipients presented a hypoplastic left heart syndrome treated with a hybrid procedure (ductus stent and pulmonary banding). The first evolved very favorably without any complications during his admission. The second one presented a cardiac rejection with hemodynamic compromise that required ECMO assistance in the context of low levels of tacrolimus and not related to the group incompatibility. Four plasmapheresis cycles were performed. The subsequent evolution was satisfactory.Conclusions: ABO-incompatible transplantation in patients with isohemagglutinin titrers less than or equal to 1:8 is a safe technique that increases the chances of transplantation, reducing their waiting list time and thus its possible complications and mortality. (C) 2018 Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L.U. on behalf of Sociedad Espanola de Cirugia Toracica-Cardiovascular.