44-P

Abstract

Aim The contribution of MICA antibodies to AMR and poor transplant outcomes have been described by multiple reports. In order to implement the MICA antibody assay screening in our transplant algorithm we evaluated the MICA sensitization status in our patient population. Methods We collected MICA antibody results from a group of 205 previously transplanted patients: 168 kidney transplants, 28 heart recipients and 9 lungs recipients. As a control we collected MICA antibody results from a group of 100 patients waiting for the first renal transplant. Antibody MICA detection was initially screened with LABScreen ® Mixed (One Lambda), and positive results were confirmed by MICA LABScreen ® singe antigen assay (One Lambda). Results As expected, the frequency of anti MICA antibody was higher in the previously transplanted patients when compared with the control group. We found anti-MICA in 21 (10.2%) transplanted patients vs. 3 (3%) in the control group. When we divided the transplanted group by organ type, we found anti-MICA antibodies in 10.1% of the kidney-transplanted patients, 14% of the heart-transplanted patients and 0% of the lung-transplanted patients. See Table 1 . Conclusions The frequency of anti-MICA antibodies was considerably higher in the group of previously transplanted patients. MICA typing information and Anti-MICA antibody results will help in the selection and management of patients receiving a kidney from a living donor, and improve the post-transplant management of patients receiving organs from deceased donors.