Download Consent for Accepting a Blood Type A2 or A2B Kidney What is an

Consent for Accepting a Blood Type A2 or A2B Kidney
What is an A2 or A2B Blood Type Kidney?
Studies have shown that individuals with a special form of blood type A or AB are able to donate
a kidney to an individual with blood type B. It has been found that about 20% of patients with
blood type A or AB actually have less A antibody if they are in a special subtype group of A2
blood type. Individuals with blood type A2 or A2B have less A antigen on their red blood cells.
Having less A antigen decreases the likelihood of producing antibodies against the transplanted
kidney. When your body produces antibody against a new kidney it can result in a rejection of
the kidney requiring an increase in medications to treat the rejection.
Am I a candidate to receive an A2 or A2B Kidney?
Blood type B candidates who are on the UNOS list to receive a kidney at George Washington
University’s Transplant Institute may receive an A2 or A2B kidney if it is determined that you
have low levels of antibodies against the A blood type. If you decide you are interested in
receiving a kidney from an A2 or A2B donor, you will be asked to sign this consent form.
Since I have blood type B, what are the risks of receiving a kidney from an A2 or A2B
donor?
Since you have blood type B it is important for you to understand the risks and benefits of
accepting a blood type A2 or A2B kidney. It has been shown that there may be a slight increase
in risk of early rejection. This would be treated by increasing doses or adding different
immunosuppression medications to help control any rejection. By suppressing your immune
system there is a decrease in the risk of rejection but there is also increase your risk for infection
or malignancies when higher or additional medications are needed. Your transplant team will
monitor your blood work for rejection by watching your creatinine levels. If needed, a kidney
biopsy may be performed. In addition to monitoring you for rejection your transplant team will
also monitor you for symptoms of infection. You will be provided with information on
symptoms to look for that could indicate an infection is developing in your system.
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What are the benefits of being a candidate to receive a kidney from an A2 or A2B donor?
Patients with blood type B often wait longer for a new kidney than patients with other blood
types. By signing this consent to receive an A2 or A2B donor you will increase your chances of
receiving a new kidney sooner because you have increased the number of potential donors from
whom you can receive a new kidney.
What is the procedure for me to be a candidate to receive an A2 or A2B donor kidney?
To participate in this program, you will first need to be educated on accepting an A2 or A2B
kidney since you are blood type B. Once you are comfortable with this knowledge you will need
to sign a consent agreeing to accept an A2 or A2B donor kidney. Your blood will be drawn to
check the amount of antibody you may have against blood type A antigens. You will need to
have blood drawn every 90 days to be sure you still qualify for the program. If at any time there
is an increase in your antibody titers we will notify you and discuss options with you. You will
most likely be removed from the blood type A2 or A2B subtype waitlist but will remain on the
UNOS blood type B waiting list for a blood type B kidney.
I have been informed about the risks, benefits and procedure involved as a blood type B
candidate for transplantation in accepting a kidney from an A2 or A2B donor. I have received a
copy of this consent document and have been given the opportunity to ask questions. All of my
questions have been answered to my satisfaction.
I understand I may withdraw from the program at any time without needing to justify my
decision. A withdrawal will not in any way affect my future treatment or medical management
and I will not incur any penalties or loss of waiting time points should I withdraw from this
program.
Signature of Patient:___________________________
Printed Name of Patient:_________________________
Witness: ____________________________________
Date________________
Date of birth_________
Date:______________
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