Red blood cell alloantibodies and liver transplantation in Chinese patients

Red blood cell (RBC) alloantibodies are present in up to 14% of white recipients of liver transplants and can cause severe delayed hemolysis.

A retrospective survey showed 17 cases (8.8%) of RBC alloantibodies in 192 consecutive Chinese recipients of liver transplants compared with a background hospital incidence of 3.7%.

The spectrum of RBC alloantibodies in Chinese patients was different than in white patients, with no anti-D or anti-K antibodies but a significant incidence of anti-Mi (29%) antibodies. There was a significantly increased incidence of transfusions in RBC alloantibody positive cases. Delayed hemolysis also resulted in higher day-7 bilirubin levels. A total of 7 to 86 antigen-positive units were issued in five RBC alloantibody cases, including three early deaths. Seven cases in the RBC alloantibody negative group, but none in the positive group, were salvaged by regraft.

Blood banks servicing transplant centers should be aware of ethnic patterns in RBC alloantibodies. Delayed hemolysis may jeopardize patient survival as the result of difficult postoperative stabilization, especially in cases requiring massive transfusion.