C3d and C4d Deposition Early After Lung Transplantation

Abstract

Background: Complement staining as a predictor of antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) after lung transplantation continues to be debated. Methods: In a cohort of 33 lung transplant recipients (LTRs) we assessed early post-transplant (≤3 months) graft deposition of the complement factors C3d and C4d and correlated staining with clinical outcome. A retrospective analysis of allograft C3d and C4d deposition was performed by an experienced histopathologist blinded to clinical outcomes. Biopsies were graded 0 to 3 based on extent of septal capillary complement staining. Results: Significant C3d and C4d staining (i.e., Grade ≥2 on more than one occasion) was observed in 20 and 11 LTRs, respectively...