Korean J Blood Transfus.  2017 Aug;28(2):163-169. 10.17945/kjbt.2017.28.2.163.

Delayed Hemolytic Transfusion Reaction with Alloimmunization of Rh Phenotype: A Two-Case Study

• Yoo DW
• Lee HJ
• Lee SM
• Kim IS
• Song D
• Chang CL
• Shin KH
• Kim HH

• KMID: 2391234
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.17945/kjbt.2017.28.2.163

Abstract

Delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction is difficult to prevent using an unexpected antibody test performed prior to transfusion, and unlike acute hemolytic transfusion reaction, it occurs a few days after blood transfusion. Hence, determining the reason for delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction may be a tim-consuming task for clinicians Here, we report our experience of two cases of delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction as a result of the unexpected antibody production to Rh blood group antigens after transfusion. The first patient with a history of transfusion during admission was identified as having anti-E and anti-C antibodies according to the antibody identification test at the time of re-admission. The second patient who had chronic blood transfusion due to cancer treatment was found to have anti-C antibody. Both patients received transfusion of Rh antigen-compatible RBC units only after unexpected antibody development. However, like both cases, patients receiving continuous blood transfusion should be considered for a routine Rh phenotype test.

Keyword

Alloimmunization; Delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions; Rh subgroup; Unexpected antibody

MeSH Terms

Antibodies
Antibody Formation
Blood Group Antigens
Blood Transfusion
Humans
Phenotype*
Transfusion Reaction*
Antibodies
Blood Group Antigens