Association between Allosensitization and Waiting List Outcomes among Adult Lung Transplant Candidates in the United States

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Rationale Allosensitization may be a barrier to lung transplant. Currently, consideration is not given to allosensitization when assigning priority on the lung transplant waiting list. Objectives We aimed to examine the association between allosensitization and waiting list outcomes. Methods We conducted a retrospective single-center cohort study of adults listed for lung transplant at our center between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2016. We screened candidates for human leukocyte antigen antibodies before listing and examined the association between allosensitization and waiting list outcomes, including likelihood of transplant and death on the waiting list, using a competing risk model. Calculated panel-reactive antibody (CPRA) was used as a continuous measure of allosensitization. Results Among 746 candidates who were listed for lung transplant during the study period, 263 (35%) were allosensitized, and 483 (65%) were not. In unadjusted analysis, allosensitized candidates had a decreased likelihood of transplant compared with nonallosensitized candidates (subhazard ratio [sHR], 0.71; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.60–0.83; P < 0.001) and were more likely to die on the waiting list (sHR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.08–2.58; P < 0.001). In multivariable modeling, increasing CPRA was associated with an increased risk of death and a decreased likelihood of transplant (sHR for death, 1.15 per 10% increase in CPRA; 95% CI, 1.07–1.22; P < 0.001; sHR for transplant, 0.89 per 10% increase in CPRA; 95% CI, 0.86–0.91; P < 0.001). Conclusions Broad allosensitization was associated with longer waiting times, decreased likelihood of transplant, and increased risk of death among candidates on the waiting list for lung transplant. Consideration of allosensitization in organ allocation strategies might help mitigate this increased risk in highly allosensitized candidates.