Study Finds Kidney Transplants from HIV-Positive Donors Safe for HIV-Positive Recipients

A new multi-center study suggests that kidney transplants from HIV-positive donors to HIV-positive recipients are just as safe as those from HIV-negative donors. Researchers found no significant differences in key outcomes, including survival rates, graft function, and rejection rates.

The study, conducted at 26 U.S. transplant centers, analyzed data from 198 kidney transplant recipients—99 who received organs from HIV-positive donors and 99 from HIV-negative donors. At one year, survival rates were nearly identical: 94% for the HIV-positive donor group and 95% for the HIV-negative group. By year three, survival remained comparable at 85% and 87%, respectively.

Rejection rates were also similar, with 13% of HIV-positive donor recipients experiencing rejection in the first year, compared to 21% in the HIV-negative donor group. At three years, rejection rates were 21% and 24%, respectively. Serious complications, infections, and cancer rates were consistent across both groups.

One potential case of HIV superinfection—a reinfection with a different strain of the virus—was observed among 58 recipients with available genetic data. However, there were no cases of persistent HIV treatment failure.

Implications

These findings could expand the donor pool for HIV-positive patients, potentially reducing wait times for transplants. With thousands of patients needing kidneys, the study supports the safety of utilizing HIV-positive organs, a practice legalized in the U.S. under the 2013 HOPE Act. Further research will help refine protocols and ensure long-term safety.