Prevalence of Alloantibodies and Autoantibodies in Transfusion Dependent Thalassemia Patients

Background: The development of anti-red blood cell alloantibodies remains a major problem in transfusion of blood in thalassemia major patients. Also, Autoantibodies can result in clinical hemolysis and difficulty in cross-matching blood. We studied the frequency of red blood cell alloimmunization and autoimmunization among thalassemia patients who received regular transfusions in Ilam province of Iran.  Methods: This study was carried out on 110 multiply transfused patients with thalassemia major. The saline method, Albumin method, direct/indirect coombs’ and Three cell panel test used for detection of red blood cell alloantibody/ autoantibody.  Results: 12 patients out of total 110 patients (10.9 %) developed alloantibodies and 2 (1.81 %) developed autoantibodies. Rh and Kell blood group system alloantibodies were most commonly found, with the majority of patients being transfused with blood matched for ABO and D antigens only.  Conclusion: This study suggests screening RBC antigens prior to transfusion. Our findings accentuate the necessity of antigen typing of supposed to be transfused red blood cells and screenings tests before the first transfusion, at least for Rh (Rh system) and Kell (Kell system) antigens.