American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam (ABS QE) Practice Test

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Prepare for the ABS QE with flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each question provides hints and explanations to enhance understanding. Start your journey to becoming a certified surgeon and tackle your exam with confidence!

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Which incompatibility factors are critical in transplant procedures?

Chronic rejection and acute rejection
HLA and ABO
Graft versus host disease
Panel Reactive Antibody

The correct answer is: HLA and ABO

In transplant procedures, the critical incompatibility factors are HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) and ABO blood group compatibility. HLA plays a significant role because it is responsible for the immune system's ability to recognize self from non-self. Transplanting an organ or tissue that has mismatched HLA can lead to rapid rejection, as the recipient's immune system identifies the foreign cells as a threat. ABO blood group compatibility is equally important because it directly impacts the immediate acceptance of the transplanted organ. If the donor and recipient have incompatible blood groups, the recipient's immune system can launch a swift and aggressive response, resulting in hyperacute rejection right after the transplant is performed. Ensuring that both HLA and ABO compatibility are as close as possible increases the likelihood of transplant success and longevity of the graft. Other factors like chronic and acute rejection, graft versus host disease, and panel reactive antibodies play roles in transplant outcomes and compatibility assessment, but they are secondary to the fundamental compatibility of HLA and ABO, which are the most immediate and critical factors in the success of transplant procedures.