Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 19, 2026

In Vitro and In Vivo Assessment of T, B and Myeloid Cells Suppressive Activity and Humoral Responses from Transplant Recipients
Published on: August 12, 2017
Long-Term Treatment and Transfusion of Normal Blood Components Following Tolerance Induction in Patients with
Abdulgabar Salama1, Romina Kardashi1, Olga Arbach1
1Transfusion Medicine, Charité University Medicine - Campus Virchow Klinikum, and ZTB, Zentrum für Transfusionsmedizin und Zelluläre Therapie, Berlin, Germany.
Background:
In general, patients with significant anti-Ig-A do not tolerate intravenous (i.v.) administration of normal blood products. Here, we present our experiences in the induction of immune tolerance (IIT) and long-term treatment in a series of such patients affected in such a way. The question whether blood components from IgA-deficient donors are required will be discussed.
Methods:
Ten adult patients (4 females and 6 males; age ranging from 36 to 75 years) with anti-IgA were included in this study. All patients required long-term treatment with blood components. One patient had IgA deficiency and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), and all other patients had common variable immunodeficiency (CVID). The particle gel immunoassay was used for the detection of anti-IgA. Immune tolerance to IgA was induced by controlled subcutaneous (s.c.) and/or i.v. infusions of IgG preparations.
Results:
Prior to IIT, anti-IgA was detectable in plasma samples of all patients and significantly diminished or abolished by controlled s.c. and/or i.v. infusions of IgG. Multiple transfusions with normal blood components could be repeatedly performed with the patient suffering from PNH without any complications. As long as i.v. IgG (IVIgG) infusions were consequently administered as individually required (intervals 2-8 weeks), none of the patients developed reactions during observation (up to 10 years). However, interruption of treatment and re-exposure to IVIgG resulted in adverse reactions.
Conclusion:
Patients with significant anti-IgA can be safely desensitized and tolerate long-term IgG substitutions independent of the IgA concentration of the used blood component.
More Related Videos
11:55Induction of Alloantigen-specific Anergy in Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells by Alloantigen Stimulation with Co-stimulatory Signal Blockade
Published on: March 14, 2011
05:23Continuous Manual Exchange Transfusion for Patients with Sickle Cell Disease: An Efficient Method to Avoid Iron Overload
Published on: March 14, 2017
Related Concept Videos
Blood Transfusion and Agglutination
History
The history of blood transfusion dates back to the 17th century, when early attempts were made in animals. In 1818 James Blundell, a British doctor, performed the first successful human blood transfusion. Later in 1900, Karl...
Blood Transfusion
Blood Transfusion Overview
A blood transfusion is a medical procedure used to replace blood lost due to injury, surgery, or to treat conditions such as anemia or cancer. During a transfusion, donor blood is...
Blood Typing
Antigens are protein molecules that reside on the surface of red blood cells (RBCs). The ABO and Rh blood typing systems target...
Allergic Reactions: Anaphylaxis
Hypersensitivities
Types of Hypersensitivities
Hypersensitivity reactions are categorized into four types: Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, and Type 4. Each type has a distinct mechanism...
Rh Blood Group