Prevalence of Red Blood Cell Alloimmunization Among Pediatric Patients With Sickle Cell Disease in Saudi Arabia

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a common hereditary hemoglobin disorder worldwide. One of the main treatments for patients with SCD is the requirement for blood transfusions. Posttransfusion alloimmunization with red blood cell (RBC) antigens continues to be a major risk factor for SCD. The objective of this study was to determine the rate, nature, and risk factors of red cell alloimmunization among pediatric patients with SCD in our center and compare our results with published reports from Saudia Arabia SA, regional countries, and some international countries.

A retrospective chart review of patients with SCD at King Abdulaziz Medical City-Jeddah, between 2008 and 2019 was performed. Demographic characteristics and transfusion histories were recorded. Blood samples were analyzed for alloimmunization using immunohematologic techniques.

In total, 121 patients were analyzed. Alloantibodies were detected in 21 patients (17.4%) and were mostly single in 15 patients (71.4%), anti-K (23.7%), anti-E (19.0%), and anti-S (9.5%). The other 6 patients (28.6%) had multiple alloantibodies, especially the combination of anti-C and anti-K (9.5%) and the combination of anti-C and anti-E (9.5%). Alloantibody levels were significantly higher in patients with frequent hospital admissions (>5 times annually), those who had an exchange blood transfusion, those younger than 3 years old, and those who received a larger number of blood units ( P ≤0.05).

The rate of RBC alloimmunization is determined and considered relatively low compared with that in other nations. Matching for extended RBC antigens to include ABO, RH (D, C, c, E, e), K, Fy a , Fy b , Jk a , and Jk b antigens in the screening panel for donors and recipients is highly recommended to ensure better transfusion practices and avoid transfusion-related complications.