ABSTRACT
Objective To review the first case of paired-exchange kidney transplantation between two couples in China.Methods In April 2006,two cases of paired-exchange living kidney transplantations were successfully performed.Husband 1 in blood type O received a kidney donated from husband 2 in blood type O,while wife 2 in blood type A received a kidney from wife 1 in blood type A.Results The transplantation was performed smoothly.Renal graft in husband 1 functioned for 21 months,and the recipient died at 9th month due to infection.Graft survival and patient survival in wife 2 were 30 month and 31 month respectively.Conclusion Paired-exchange of living-related kidney donation and transplantation,as an effective pathway to resolve the shortage of organ,could be programmed with cautious medical guideline,ethical consideration and legal framework in China.