Multiple transfusions of HLA compatible blood in thalassaemia major

The effect of polytransfusion regimen is studied in two patients with thalassaemia major over a period of 74 and 56 months respectively. In both cases we have observed an improvement of the general condition in the growth as well as a reduction of hepatosplenomegaly and cardiomegaly. Furthermore a decrease of reticulocytes, erythroblasts and fetal hemoglobin values was obtained. The consequences of these frequent transfusions on iron storage metabolism are discussed. The advantage of giving HLA compatible blood is demonstrated by only a weal alloimmunization in one patient having received 77 HLA compatible transfusions and the lack of immunization in the second patient after 52 transfusions. In 6 other patients affected with thalassaemia major and 3 more with bone marrow aplasia, transfusion with incompatible HLA blood was followed by immunization of variable importance.