Title

Rituximab Treatment for Antibody-Mediated Rejection (AMR) Following Heart and Kidney Transplant

Authors

Laura Falconieri, BA, PharmD, Jefferson School of Pharmacy, Thomas Jefferson UniversityFollow
Cheryl A. Abbas, PharmD, Thomas Jefferson UniversityFollow

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

2013

Abstract

Background

Antibody Mediated Rejection (AMR)1,2

• Rejection that occurs due to antibodies against donor-specific antigen (DSA)

– Antibodies activate complement system

– Leads to cell death and tissue necrosis

• Risk Factors

– Pregnancy

– Blood transfusions

– Prior transplantation

• Types of AMR

– Hyperacute

• Occurs within minutes of graft transplantation causing death of the graft

• Due to pre-formed antibodies present in high titers

• Rarely occurs now due to universal cross-matching

– Acute

• Occurs within a few days of transplantation causing graft dysfunction

• Due to pre-formed antibodies or antibodies that develop de novo after transplantation

– Chronic

• Occurs during the years following transplantation

Recommended Citation

Falconieri, BA, PharmD, Laura and Abbas, PharmD, Cheryl A., "Rituximab Treatment for Antibody-Mediated Rejection (AMR) Following Heart and Kidney Transplant" (2013). Pharmacy Presentations, Posters, and Grand Rounds. Paper 3.
https://jdc.jefferson.edu/jeffpharmacypresgr/3