RED-CELL ALLOANTIBODIES IN PATIENTS WITH HEMOGLOBINOPATHIES

The present study was carried out to determine the evidence of alloimm unization against red blood cells in 364 patients transfused in our ce nter over a period of 4 years (1990-1993). Among these patients, 127 w ere thalassemic and 182 had sickle cell disease (SCD). In 55 control p atients, who received blood matched for the ABO, Rhesus and Kell antig en systems from the outset of transfusion, no immunization was detecte d. However, in the study goup, who initially received blood matched on ly for ABH and Rh D antigens, the frequency of alloimmunization was 7. 76% (24/309). Only one antibody was detected in 15 patients (62.5%) an d two or more in 9 patients (37.5%). Alloimmunization concerned the Rh esus system in 58.82% of cases and the Kell system in 26.47%, while th e frequency of immunization was significantly lower in patients of les s than 5 years as compared to those in the age range 5-10 years (p < 0 .001).