It should now be possible to correctly predict the RhD phenotype in Chinese subjects. D(el) can also be designated as a particular weak D type.

The serological differentiation of weak D from partial D, D-negative and D-positive is not always unequivocal. Therefore, sequencing of the RHD gene is required in some cases. Very recently, several new differences between RHD and RHCE have been identified which permitted us to design primers close to the exon/intron boundaries of the RHD-exons. We evaluated these primers in 83 D-positive and 18 D-negative blood donors and applied the new method for the characterization of the RHD gene in six individuals with weak D phenotype. The amplification reactions were concordant with serological findings in 100 of 101 donors (99.0%). In one D-positive donor the PCR for exons 2 and 5 gave a negative result, while the sequence of the remaining eight exons was unchanged. By sequencing samples with very weak D serological reactions, we identified weak D type 4.2.2 and weak D type 15, both previously reported to be associated with anti-D-alloimmunization. Consequently, we recommended the selection of D-negative blood in the weak D type 4.2.2 patient, and the provision of Rh prophylaxis for pregnant women with weak D type 15. In summary, a new RHD sequencing method was developed which can be applied if serological reactions are inconclusive.

No abstract

In patients with a lifelong transfusion history, serologic blood group determination may be impossible, and pretransfusion test results are not always available or reliable. In whites, Rh-matched transfusions are possible with genotyping. The genetic background of the RH genes has to be elucidated in other ethnic groups, such as in black patients with sickle cell disease, before genotyping can be applied without restriction.

Graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) still belongs to the major challenges after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Immune-suppressive therapy against GvHD is a double-edged sword due to risk of infections and relapse. The ability to adapt prophylactic treatment according to the probability of severe GvHD would be an essential advantage for the patients. We analyzed different biomarkers for their potential to predict the development of GvHD in 28 patients who underwent allogeneic HSCT. Blood was taken once directly after hematopoietic engraftment. In this study, patients were monitored for 12 months after HSCT for the occurrence of acute GvHD or acute/chronic GvHD overlap syndrome. Soluble IL-2 receptor and CD4/CD8 T cell ratio were independently associated with the occurrence of GvHD in the observation period. However, the largest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve with 0.90 was observed when a 5-parameter biomarker score based on CD4 T cells, CD8 T cells, CD19 CD21 precursor B cells, CD4/CD8 T cell ratio, and soluble IL-2 receptor was used to predict GvHD. In addition, CD8 T cell levels above 2.3% of all mononuclear cells after engraftment may predict relapse-free survival at least for 12 months. In summary, we found a new biomarker panel for prediction of GvHD which is featured by established laboratory assays and high statistical significance. In order to introduce the biomarker panel into routine clinical protocols, we suggest performing a larger multi-center study.