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In elderly individuals aged 78-99, direct anti-human-globulin tests (d. AHGT) revealed a low incidence of antibody-mediated positive results. No increase in non-antibody-mediated complement reactions was observed in this healthy, aged cohort.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Immunology
- Hematology
Context:
- The direct anti-human-globulin test (d. AHGT) is crucial for detecting antibodies or complement bound to red blood cells.
- Aging is associated with potential immune system alterations, necessitating investigation into serological markers.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the prevalence of positive direct anti-human-globulin tests (d. AHGT) in a cohort of elderly individuals.
- To determine if non-antibody-mediated complement reactions increase in healthy, aged populations.
Summary:
- Blood samples from 431 individuals aged 78-99 years were tested using d. AHGT with polyspecific and monospecific antisera.
- Three instances of antibody-mediated positive d. AHGT were identified.
- No elevated rate of non-antibody-mediated positive complement Coombs reactions was found in healthy elderly participants.
Impact:
- This study provides baseline data on the frequency of positive d. AHGT in the oldest age groups.
- Findings suggest that healthy aging does not significantly increase the risk of certain positive Coombs test results, aiding in differential diagnosis.
Abstract:
Blood samples from 431 persons (age: 78 to 99 years) were examined by the direct anti-human-globulin test (d. AHGT ) with polyspecific and monospecific antisera. Three antibody-mediated positive d. AHGT were found. There was no increase in non antibody-mediated positive complement Coombs reactions in healthy persons of high age.