Delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction due to anti-Jk(a).

BACKGROUND Kidd antibodies are very heterogeneous and difficult to detect. They have been frequently implicated in delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions (DHTRs). CASE REPORT A 64 year old female (6 pregnancies, 2 deliveries, 4 abortions) with none red cell (RBC) transfusions in the history was admitted to hospital due to pneumonia and severe anemia. On admittance hemoglobin (Hb) level was 63g/L and hematocrit (Ht) 0.21 L/L. The blood sample of the patient was sent to laboratory for serologic testing since RBC transfusions were required. Patient appeared to beO Rh(D)+ with negative both direct antiglobulin (DAT) and routine antibody screen (ID-DiaCell I+II+III-P). Three units of packed RBCs with negative crossmatch (tube method) were prepared. Patient received two units on Day 2 and one more on Day 3 without any discomfort. Hematological values after the third unit were: Hb 116g/L and Ht 0.37 L/L. On Day 6 she started to feel week, tired, with nausea and mild jaundice. Her Hb and Ht had dropped to 99 g/L and 0.33 L/L respectively, with tendency of dropping further (Day 7: Hb 83 g/L, Ht 0.26 L/L). Total serum bilirubin was 58.9 umol/L (normal range 20.5 umol/L) and direct fraction was 14.9 umol/L (normal range 7 umol/L). DTHR was suspected. Antibody identification performed by ID-DiaMed Gel Techique (GT) showed the presence of anti-Jk(a) with dosage phenomenon. All three previously transfused units were typed Jk(a) and the patient s RBCs were Jk(a-b+). She received two units of Jk(a) negative packed RBCs and was well enough to be discharged on Day 14. CONCLUSION It is important to monitor clinical effect of transfusion regularly and to provide good team work between specialists of transfusion medicine and related medical staff. The policy of transfusion practice is to keep pretransfusion sample for three weeks and to perform cross-match tests on the samples no older then 24h and 48h respectively.