Abstract
Background. β-Thalassemia is a common inherited hemolytic disorder in Palestine. Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion is the principal treatment but it may cause RBC alloimmunization. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and characteristics of RBC alloimmunization among thalassemic patients in northern governorates of Palestine. Methods. A prospective multicenter observational study was conducted in the thalassemia transfusion centers in the northern governorates of Palestine. The study included 215 thalassemia patients who received regular blood transfusions. Clinical and transfusion records of patients were examined. Antibody screening and identification was conducted using the microcolum gel technique. Results. Two hundred fifteen patients were included in the study. More than half (52.1%) of the patients were males. The median age of patients was 18 years (range: 12–24 years). The most frequent blood group was A (40.5%). Alloantibodies were detected in 12.6% of patients. Anti-D (33.3%), anti-K (25.9%) and anti-E (14.8%) were the most commonly isolated antibodies. There was no association between age, sex, starting age of transfusion, number of transfused units, history of splenectomy and alloimmunization. Conclusions. Anti-Rh and anti-K antibodies were common among this cohort of patients. Age, sex, starting age of transfusion, number of transfused units, and history of splenectomy could not predict the occurrence of alloimmunization.
Highlights
Beta thalassemia (β-thalassemia) is the most common inherited hemolytic disorder caused by partial or complete defect in globin chain [1, 2]
Alloimmunization rates among multiply-transfused thalassemia patients range from 2.5% to 42% in di erent regions of the world. e most common Red blood cell (RBC) alloantibodies reported were ones against the Rhesus (Rh) and Kell antigens [10, 11]
A prospective multicenter observational study was conducted in all thalassemia transfusion centers in the northern governorates of Palestine (West Bank)
Summary
Beta thalassemia (β-thalassemia) is the most common inherited hemolytic disorder caused by partial or complete defect in globin chain [1, 2]. Patients with β-thalassemia-major need regular blood transfusions throughout life. Alloimmunization to red cell antigens is one of the important complications of chronic blood transfusion in addition to iron overload and transfusion-transmitted infections [5, 6]. It can complicate transfusion therapy by causing delayed transfusion reactions and di culties in nding compatible blood which may lead to increased morbidity and mortality in transfusion-dependent patients [7,8,9]. Ere is only one previously published report about alloimmunization in multiply-transfused patients in Palestine. E objectives of this study were to [1] assess alloimmunization among thalassemia patients in the northern governorates of Palestine, [2] determine the speci city of detected antibodies, and [3] to assess the possible association between previously reported risk factors and the development of alloimmunization
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
