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Platelet alloimmunization after transfusion. A prospective study in 117 heart surgery patients
E Taaning1, A C Simonsen, E Hjelms
1Department of Clinical Immunology and Blood Bank, Glostrup Hospital, Denmark.
Vox Sanguinis
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Platelet-specific antibodies are rare after a single blood transfusion series, with a 1.7% incidence of anti-HPA-5b. This study investigated alloimmunization in cardiac surgery patients receiving red blood cell components.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Transfusion Medicine
Background:
- The frequency of platelet-specific antibodies post-transfusion is not well-established.
- Alloimmunization in multiply transfused patients remains controversial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of alloimmunization against platelet antigens after a single series of blood transfusions.
- To assess the incidence of platelet-specific antibodies in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.
Main Methods:
- Studied 117 patients receiving single blood transfusions, primarily red blood cell components.
- Detected platelet-specific antibodies using platelet ELISA and MFI assays.
- Identified HLA antibodies via standard lymphocyte cytotoxicity techniques.
Main Results:
- A low incidence of platelet-specific anti-HPA-5b (1.7%) was observed.
- De novo immunization occurred in one case.
- HLA antibodies were detected in 17.9% of patients, with a correlation to transfused immunogenic material.
Conclusions:
- The incidence of platelet-specific antibodies after one transfusion series is low.
- Findings align with some, but not all, previous studies on multiply transfused patients.