HLA compatibility index: does it have a role in patients after heart transplantation?
Based on the results of our single-center trial, we found no impact of higher degree of HLA-A,-B, and -DR matching on survival, rejection episodes or infection. Further large studies are necessary to confirm our hypothesis that subjects with better HLA compatibility could require lower dose immunosuppression.
These results indicate that endothelial vasodilator function is preserved at the spastic site and that the spasm is caused primarily by smooth muscle hypercontraction in our porcine model.