Immunosuppressive protocols for transplantation and certain hematologic malignancies can prevent the primary immune response to the D blood group antigen

Immunohematology. 2013;29(3):110-4.

Abstract

A review of the published literature on Rh alloimmunization reveals that its incidence varies with the volume of infused D+ red blood cells (RBCs), the probable Rh genotype of the RBCs, and the immune competency of the D- recipient. Among the reports of Rh alloimmunization on different clinical circumstances, we identified five studies in which a combined total of 62 D- recipients of hematopoetic stem cell or solid -organ transplants were transfised with D+ RBCs and none (0%) formed anti-D. The observation that immunosuppressive protocols developed to prevent rejection of tissue and organ transplants also prevented alloimmunization to the D blood group antigen raises the possibility of practical applications in blood transfusion practice.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Blood Transfusion / statistics & numerical data
  • Hematologic Neoplasms / immunology
  • Hematologic Neoplasms / pathology
  • Hematologic Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation*
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Isoantibodies / immunology
  • Myeloablative Agonists / therapeutic use*
  • Organ Transplantation*
  • Rh Isoimmunization / prevention & control*
  • Rh-Hr Blood-Group System / blood*
  • Rh-Hr Blood-Group System / immunology
  • Rho(D) Immune Globulin
  • Transplantation, Homologous

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Isoantibodies
  • Myeloablative Agonists
  • RHO(D) antibody
  • Rh-Hr Blood-Group System
  • Rho(D) Immune Globulin
  • Rho(D) antigen