Israel – Country’s First Kidney Transplant Involving 2 Different Blood Types

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    Petah Tikva, Israel – Doctors at Beilinson Hospital performed the country’s first kidney transplant involving a donor and recipient with different blood types – a breakthrough that could increase kidney transplants involving live donors by 40 percent.

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    The kidney recipient was Ortal Mahlev, 18. The Herzliya resident, who has type B blood, received the kidney from her father, 51-year-old Shlomo Mahlev, who has type A blood.

    “Blood type indicators are antibodies found on red blood cells and on the internal lining of blood vessels, and they attack a foreign blood type that enters the body,” said Dr. Alexander Yusim, who heads the Renal Transplantation Unit and Nephrology Institute at Beilinson.

    Yusim’s team of doctors carried out the transplant by neutralizing the antibodies, he said.

    The method for neutralizing the antibodies takes at least two weeks, making it impossible to use for patients who need a new kidney immediately.

    The procedure is based on technology developed a decade ago in Japan, where organs are rarely transplanted from dead bodies due to restrictions of the ancient Japanese Shinto religion. Western doctors, particularly in the United States, Germany and Sweden, subsequently began using the method.

    Nearly 700 Israelis are awaiting a kidney transplant, but medical officials believe 40 percent of those suffering from kidney failure have so far been unable to receive the organ from their relatives due to differing blood types.

    Last year 83 kidneys were transplanted from dead donors and 69 from live donors.

    The transplant process involves several stages, said Yusim.

    “First the recipient’s blood is transferred into a machine that executes a blood plasma fractionation, a method whereby blood is broken up into red blood cells that are later re-inserted into the body and the blood serum which contains the antibodies that are removed from the body,” he said. “The serum is then replaced by a protein with water solubility (albumin). The body is then injected with gamma globulin in order to prevent the antibodies from acting.”

    In the next stage, the patient is injected with a chemical preparation known as rituximab, which neutralizes B white blood cells that manufacture new antibodies. Doctors can implant the organ from a donor with a different blood type after the process is repeated three or four times and the number of antibodies falls to zero or nearly zero.


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    19 Comments
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    is there a doctor in the house?
    is there a doctor in the house?
    14 years ago

    In this process where they shut down the recipiemts immune system, does the recipient need immunosuppersants for the est of their lives?

    Kidney Donor f& Kidney Matchmaker from Boro Park &
    Kidney Donor f& Kidney Matchmaker from Boro Park &
    14 years ago

    This is a breakthrough for Israel!

    Great hospital! I had made 2 kidney matches at this hospital in Israel. Both went very well, Boruch Hashem. Both donors in both matches were originally from the USA. One of the donors was a mother of 12 children.

    I hope more people will come forward to donate a kidney here, Israel, and world wide as there is a great shortage of kidneys and many people have died waiting for a kidney.

    Kidney Donor from Boro Park
    Kidney Donor from Boro Park
    14 years ago

    People who receive a kidney have to be on anti-rejection drugs for the rest of their life, regardless of the type of treatment, prior to their kidney transplant. People who donate a kidney do not have to be on any medication or any special diet..

    Kidney Donor from Boro Park
    Kidney Donor from Boro Park
    14 years ago

    One of the major causes of kidney failure is diabetes. Another cause can be high blood pressure. Everyone who is overweight/obese, eat healthy, exercise, lose weight, as it is a great Mitzvah to take care of our health. Eat high fiber, low fat foods (except some olive oil ok and a moderate consumption of nuts) and avoid fried, oily foods. Always consult a doctor first.

    so sad
    so sad
    14 years ago

    amazing that a majority of those who need these life saving transplants need them because of preventable causes like diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure due to diet, etc.

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    14 years ago

    Kidney donor matchmaker, how long ago did you do it and how are you doing today?

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    14 years ago

    #6 , actually, even though in many instances it may have been preventable, usually it is not. High Blood Pressure and Adult onset diabitis is a result of other medical issues as well. Many cannot be prevented. Most kidney patients cannot stop the disease or have a choice as many have hereditary diseases (as is more common among frum). Of course those that can should lead healthy lives and eat healthy. But don’t blame soneone- that is plain mean. We are known by three traits, one being “rachmanim”. Donr give that up.

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    14 years ago

    #6 , actually, even though in many instances it may have been preventable, usually it is not. High Blood Pressure and Adult onset diabitis is a result of other medical issues as well. Many cannot be prevented. Most kidney patients cannot stop the disease or have a choice as many have hereditary diseases (as is more common among frum). Of course those that can should lead healthy lives and eat healthy. But don’t blame soneone- that is plain mean. We are known by three traits, one being “rachmanim”. Donr give that up.

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    14 years ago

    #6 , actually, even though in many instances it may have been preventable, usually it is not. High Blood Pressure and Adult onset diabitis is a result of other medical issues as well. Many cannot be prevented. Most kidney patients cannot stop the disease or have a choice as many have hereditary diseases (as is more common among frum). Of course those that can should lead healthy lives and eat healthy. But don’t blame soneone- that is plain mean. We are known by three traits, one being “rachmanim”. Donr give that up.

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    14 years ago

    A relative of mine donated a kidney last week. He was released from the hospital the following day and was cleared for travel overseas before pesach. The procedures they use now greatly reduce the impact to the donor.

    yeapb
    yeapb
    14 years ago

    1. In my case, the steroids I am on long term because of kidney failure (both of my original kidneys and my transplanted one) are what has caused my diabetes and high blood pressure!
    2. My mother is currently undergoing tests to ensure she is healthy enough to donate one of her kidneys to me – she is so desperate to see me well again that she is willing to do it through regular surgery and not wait longer for the laparascopic surgeon! I am incredibly lucky to have a mother like her and I will have to love her forever after this!