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Transfusions of least‐incompatible blood with intravenous immunoglobulin plus steroids cover in two patients with rare antibody
Author(s) -
Win Nay,
Needs Malcolm,
Thornton Nicole,
Webster Robert,
Chang Cherry
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
transfusion
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.045
H-Index - 132
eISSN - 1537-2995
pISSN - 0041-1132
DOI - 10.1111/trf.14648
Subject(s) - medicine , hemolysis , antibody , anemia , hemoglobin , pediatrics , hemolytic disease of the newborn (abo) , hemolytic anemia , fetal hemoglobin , immunology , fetus , pregnancy , biology , genetics
BACKGROUND The therapeutic value of the use of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) to correct anemia and thrombocytopenia as a result of immunologic causes (hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn and fetal or neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia) have been well established. Few published papers exist regarding the use of IVIG in adult settings. We report two patients with clinically significant antibodies against high‐incidence antigens, who were successfully transfused with incompatible red blood cells (RBCs), in conjunction with IVIG plus steroids and IVIG. CASE REPORTS Case 1 was a 25‐year‐old patient (Hb SC) who was admitted with low hemoglobin (Hb) and low reticulocyte count. A diagnosis of parvovirus‐induced RBC hypoplasia was made. The patient's sample contained anti‐E, anti‐N, and anti‐U. The Hb decreased to 37 g/dL and urgent transfusion was provided with E–, N–, “least‐incompatible” RBC units covered by IVIG and hydrocortisone. Case 2 was a 54‐year‐old patient who was admitted after a road traffic accident. Nonspecific weak antibody was detected. She received 6 units of least‐incompatible RBCs. She was transferred to another hospital and received 2 least‐incompatible units. Hb level decreased further and an additional unit was transfused. Samples were referred to the reference laboratory and strong anti‐Jr a detected. As there was clinical and laboratory evidence of hemolysis and Jr(a–) units were not available, IVIG was prescribed and least‐incompatible units were transfused. RESULTS There were no hemolytic transfusion reactions, hemolysis ceased, and anemia improved in both cases. CONCLUSION Prophylaxis with IVIG plus steroids and IVIG should be considered as a therapeutic option when transfusion of incompatible units is necessary.