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Post-transfusion alloimmunization in patients with sickle cell disease
American Journal of Hematology
|January 1, 1978
Summary
Sickle cell disease patients receiving transfusions developed alloimmunization to red cell antigens. Over a third of patients formed antibodies, with females more frequently affected, highlighting the need for careful hemotherapy.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Immunology
- Transfusion Medicine
Background:
- Sickle cell disease (SCD) often requires red blood cell transfusions.
- Transfusions carry a risk of alloimmunization to red cell antigens.
- Understanding alloimmunization frequency is crucial for SCD patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of alloimmunization to red cell antigens in sickle cell disease patients.
- To identify specific antibodies formed by alloimmunized patients.
- To analyze factors associated with alloimmunization in this cohort.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of transfusion histories for 50 sickle cell disease patients over 33 months.
- Analysis of patient demographics (age, sex) and transfusion frequency.
- Identification and characterization of formed antibodies.
Main Results:
- Eighteen out of 50 (36%) patients developed alloimmunization.
- Females were more frequently alloimmunized (13 out of 18).
- Thirty-six antibodies were identified, including Rh, Lewis, and Kell systems.
Conclusions:
- Alloimmunization is a significant concern in transfused sickle cell disease patients.
- The frequency of antibody formation underscores the need for antigen-matched transfusions.
- Further strategies for hemotherapy in SCD patients are warranted.