Report (2017) of the International Registry on Hand and Composite Tissue Allotransplantation (IRHCTT)

Purpose of Review: Analysis of all upper extremity (UET) and face allotransplantations (FT) reported to the International Registry on Hand and Composite Tissue Transplantation (IRHCTT) by May 2017. Recent Findings: The IRHCTT includes 66 cases of UET (18 unilateral and 38 bilateral) and 30 of FT. Acute and chronic rejections were reported in the presence of immunosuppression. Complications similar to those reported in solid organ transplantation occurred. UET patient survival was 96.7% at 1, 5, and 10 years after transplantation; graft survival was 90.4% at 1 year and 86.6% at 5 and 10 years. FT patient survival was 96.6% at 1 year and 96.2% at 5 years; graft survival was 96.6% at 1 and 5 years. The majority of UET and FT recipients were satisfied of their graft. Summary: UET and FT are complex procedures requiring long-life immunosuppression; their success requires the patients’ careful selection, through evaluation, follow-up and compliance to the immunosuppression.