Is Salvage of a Kidney Graft Possible as a Result of Hyperacute Rejection Immediately After Kidney Transplantation?

Hyperacute rejection is a rare complication of renal transplantation. It is mainly caused by preformed human leukocyte antigen antibodies and can lead to the loss of the transplanted kidney. Renal transplantation is a highly beneficial treatment for people with end-stage renal disease, greatly improving their quality of life. However, antibody-mediated rejection is a significant challenge for the long-term survival of transplanted kidneys. An 18-year-old male with nephrotic syndrome, who underwent bilateral renal nephrectomy due to severe proteinuria, received a living donor kidney. Pretransplant panel reactive antibodies were low. Cytotoxic T- and B-cell and non-HLA cross-match was negative. The graft became cyanotic and mottled within half an hour of transplantation. Allograft was quickly extracted, and a biopsy showed hyperacute rejection. The patient was treated with plasmapheresis, intravenous immunoglobulin, and eculizumab. The graft was successfully re-implanted after 18 hours. Further treatment included additional sessions of plasmapheresis, intravenous immunoglobulin, eculizumab, T-cell-depleting agent, and immunosuppressive therapy. Serum creatinine became stable, and renal biopsy after one month demonstrated intact parenchyma with no inflammation or fibrosis. This case highlights the critical importance of promptly removing the transplanted kidney and using aggressive immunotherapy to save renal allografts in cases of hyperacute rejection.