Alloimmunization Rates and Associated Factors in Transfusion-Dependent Patients: a Regional Study from Saudi Arabia

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Immunology
• Transfusion Medicine

Background:

• Blood transfusions are vital but carry risks, including alloimmunization from repeated exposure.
• Alloimmunization, the development of antibodies against foreign red blood cells, poses a significant challenge in managing transfusion-dependent patients.
• Understanding the prevalence and risk factors for alloimmunization is crucial for patient safety and effective transfusion strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of alloimmunization in transfusion-dependent patients in the Aseer province.
• To identify key risk factors associated with alloimmunization in this patient cohort.
• To inform the development of targeted interventions to mitigate alloimmunization risks.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of medical records for 149 transfusion-dependent patients.
• Data collected included patient demographics, diagnosis, blood group, Rh phenotype, and transfusion history.
• Prevalence of alloantibodies and association with clinical factors were assessed.

Main Results:

• The overall prevalence of alloimmunization was 10.2% (15 out of 149 patients).
• Alloimmunization was more common in patients with blood group O and Rh-D positive status.
• Significant risk factors included older age, Rh-D positivity, and receiving over 15 transfusion units annually.

Conclusions:

• Transfusion-dependent patients, especially those with Rh-D positivity and high transfusion burden, face an elevated risk of alloimmunization.
• Implementing extended red cell phenotyping and matched transfusion protocols can help minimize alloimmunization.
• Optimized transfusion policies are essential to reduce alloimmunization complications in this population.