Blood Chimerism in Dizygotic Monochorionic Twins During 5 Years Observation
M H Dziegiel1,2, M H Hansen3, S Haedersdal1
1Department of Clinical Immunology, Blood bank, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Summary
Monochorionic twins can develop blood chimerism from stem cell exchange. This case study shows increasing chimerism over time, suggesting potential for stem cell therapy without harsh conditioning.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Hematology
- Immunology
Background:
- Dizygotic monochorionic twin pregnancies can lead to blood chimerism.
- This occurs due to in utero stem cell exchange between twins.
Observation:
- The proportion of allogeneic red blood cells and nucleated cells was analyzed in twins.
- Measurements were taken at 7 months and again at 5 years of age.
Findings:
- One twin showed an increase in allogeneic cells from 63% to 89%.
- The other twin demonstrated an increase in autologous cells from 57% to 84%.
Implications:
- This case presents a model for stem cell therapy.
- Antenatal transfusion of donor stem cells could induce tolerance and chimerism.
- This approach may offer transplantation without myeloablative conditioning for diseases like sickle cell disease and thalassemia.
