Red Blood Cell Alloimmunization in Pediatric group with Beta Thalassemia: A Five-Year Experience

Abstract

Beta-thalassemia is one of the most frequently occurring hematological disorders in [Removed for blinded peer-review]. Regular blood transfusion is required in almost all cases for management. However, this is associated with significant major complications like red blood cell (RBC) alloimmunization. This retrospective cross-sectional is conducted to evaluate the RBC alloimmunization frequency in children with beta-thalassemia aged between 6 months and 16 years in [Removed for blinded peer-review]. Antibody screening was performed using the Dia clon3 cell antigen panel. If the screening came back positive, a detailed panel was created for the identification of specific antibody. In our sample, the frequency of RBC alloimmunization was found in 22 (26.19%) patients. Of these 22 patients, the Rhesus system was found in most patients 17 (77.3%), followed by Kell 5 (22.7%). RBC alloimmunization was significantly associated with a family history of a blood disorder and splenectomy.

Characterization of pediatric transfusion‐dependent thalassemia patients in a large academic center

“…In keeping with our findings, alloantibodies against the Rh system were the most commonly identified alloantibodies in the three studies. 11,17,18 Variant Rh alleles did not explain any of the Rh antibodies detected in one study. 11 Unlike our study, anti-D and anti-K were detected in all studies.…”

“…11 Unlike our study, anti-D and anti-K were detected in all studies. 11,[17][18][19] This provides a support to our practice of performing RHD genotyping and matching for K antigen for all thalassemia patients.…”

“…The frequency of alloimmunization observed in our study was lower than that reported in previously published studies including pediatric transfusion‐dependent thalassemia patients. A recent retrospective study conducted in Pakistan reported a frequency of alloimmunization of 26% among 84 child aged between 6 months and 16 years and diagnosed with β‐thalassemia major 17 . The extend of matching was not indicated in the study 17 .…”

“…A recent retrospective study conducted in Pakistan reported a frequency of alloimmunization of 26% among 84 child aged between 6 months and 16 years and diagnosed with β-thalassemia major. 17 The extend of matching was not indicated in the study. 17 pediatric and adult patients in Iran.…”

“…17 The extend of matching was not indicated in the study. 17 pediatric and adult patients in Iran. 19 The prevalence of alloimmunization was even higher in a retrospective study including 40 pediatric chronically transfused thalassemia patients.…”