Graft-derived cell-free DNA, a noninvasive early rejection and graft damage marker in liver transplantation: A prospective, observational, multicenter cohort study.
Ekkehard SchützAnna FischerJulia BeckMarkus HardenMartina KochTilo WuenschMartin StockmannBjörn NashanOtto KollmarJohannes MatthaeiPhilipp KanzowPhilip D WalsonJürgen BrockmöllerMichael OellerichPublished in: PLoS medicine (2017)
In this study, determination of GcfDNA in plasma by ddPCR allowed for earlier and more sensitive discrimination of acute rejection in LTx patients as compared with conventional LFTs. Potential blood microchimerism was quantitatively low and had no significant influence on GcfDNA value. Further research, which should ideally include protocol biopsies, will be needed to establish the practical value of GcfDNA measurements in the management of LTx patients.