Evaluation of the prevalence of anti-erythrocyte alloimmunization in 100 polytransfused patients in Lomé, Togo

Abstract

Aims: Red blood cells transfusion exposes recipients to a risk of immunization. The phenotyping of red blood cells and the search for irregular erythrocyte antibodies ensure immuno-hematological safety of the transfused patients. In Togo, these tests are not systematic in transfusion. The aim of the study was to determine the rate of immunization against erythrocyte antigens in polytransfused patients in Lomé. Methods: The search for irregular agglutinins was carried out by the indirect antiglobulin test in gel-filtration in 100 polytransfused patients selected at National Center for Research and Care of Sickle Cells disease and in the care units of Campus Teaching Hospital of Lomé in Togo, from October 1, 2021 to April 30, 2022. Results: The prevalence of alloimmunization was 27% with a total of 13 different alloantibodies identified. The most represented were anti-K (18.52%), anti-E (14.81%), anti-C (11.11%), anti-Jka (11.11%), and anti-M (11.11%). Alloantibodies were more frequent in A+ blood group patients and those who received more than 4 bags of packed red blood cells. There was no link between age, sex, and the pathologies involved on one hand, and the occurrence of anti-erythrocyte alloimmunization on the other. Conclusion: The rate of immunization against erythrocyte antigens is very high in polytransfused patients in Lomé. Systematic implementation of red blood cells phenotyping and irregular erythrocyte antibodies research before and after transfusion should ensure better immunological transfusion safety in Togo.