Prevalence of Alloimmunization against RBC Antigens in Thalassemia Major Patients in South East Of Iran

Abstract

Background: Thalassemia major is a lifelong transfusion dependent disease. Continuous blood transfusion can causes alloimmunization against RBC antigens and complicate further treatment in these patients. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of RBC allo and auto antibodies, the types of these antibodies and the factors that affect alloimmunization in patients with thalassemia. Material and methods: This descriptive study was performed on 221 males and 164 females with thalassemia major referred to Ali Asghar hospital in Zahedan, Iran. Initially information sheet about age, gender, race, age on first blood transfusion, history of splenectomy and ABO & Rh blood group were filled out. For alloantibody screening, patients serum were tested in three phases (Salin, 37°C with LISS and Anti Human Globulin ) by pooled cells of Biorad. In case of a positive screen, antibody identification was performed by using panel cells prepared by Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization. Finally obtained results were analyzed by SPSS software. Results: Out of 385 patients (221 male &164 female; mean age, 13.8 years; range, 1-45 years), 69 cases (17.9%) had been alloimmunized. Majority of alloantibodies were directed against Rh and Kell systems. 21(5.5%) patients were positive for autoantibodies. Conclusion: The relatively high prevalence of alloantibodies (17.9%) in our studied patients indicated the importance of cross matched blood from the beginning of transfusion in thalassemia major patients.