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High B-cell activating factor levels in multi-transfused thalassemia patients
Phandee Watanaboonyongcharoen1,2,3, Benjaporn Akkawat4, Thanida Tohthong2
1Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Transfusion Medicine (Oxford, England)
|August 16, 2021
Summary
Elevated B-cell activating factor (BAFF) levels are found in multi-transfused thalassemia patients. The ratio of BAFF to absolute lymphocyte count is associated with red blood cell (RBC) alloimmunisation, a common complication.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Immunology
- Transfusion Medicine
Background:
- Red blood cell (RBC) alloimmunisation is a significant complication in multi-transfused thalassemia patients.
- B-cell activating factor (BAFF) plays a role in B-cell activation and alloantibody production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between BAFF levels and RBC alloimmunisation in multi-transfused thalassemia.
- To identify potential biomarkers for predicting alloimmunisation risk.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study involving multi-transfused thalassemia patients aged 15 years and older.
- Analysis of alloantibody status and BAFF levels in participants.
- Multivariate analysis to determine independent predictors of alloimmunisation.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of RBC alloimmunisation was 29.8% among 114 patients.
- BAFF levels were significantly higher in patients with alloantibodies compared to those without and healthy controls.
- The BAFF to absolute lymphocyte count ratio was independently associated with RBC alloimmunisation (OR 3.07, p=0.029).
Conclusions:
- BAFF levels are elevated in multi-transfused thalassemia patients.
- The BAFF to absolute lymphocyte ratio is a potential biomarker associated with RBC alloimmunisation in this population.
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