[Transient episode of erythrocytic autoimmunization in a patient alloimmunized at the end of multiple transfusions]

Schweiz Med Wochenschr. 1991 Apr 13;121(15):532-5.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Delayed hemolytic reaction is a well recognized hazard of blood transfusion and occurs mainly in recipients with alloantibodies, due to sensitization to red cell antigens by previous transfusion or pregnancy. Less frequently, such a reaction may be associated with the presence of red cell autoantibodies appearing after alloimmunization. We report the observation of a patient with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, who presented a transitory episode of delayed hemolysis after multiple transfusions. At first, anti-Kell alloantibodies were identified and, two weeks later, warm "broad-specific" autoantibodies were detected by direct and indirect antiglobulin tests. The anemia was associated with unstable angina. The patient received multiple transfusions and prednisone. After 3 weeks, the transfusion needs diminished and the autoantibodies progressively disappeared from the serum. The direct antiglobulin test was negative 4 months later. This observation illustrates the poorly understood relationships between erythrocytic alloantigen exposure and red cell autoimmunization.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Autoantibodies / isolation & purification
  • Autoimmunity
  • Coombs Test
  • Erythrocytes / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Isoantibodies / isolation & purification*
  • Kell Blood-Group System / immunology
  • Leukemia, Myelomonocytic, Chronic / therapy*
  • Male
  • Transfusion Reaction*

Substances

  • Autoantibodies
  • Isoantibodies
  • Kell Blood-Group System