Receipt of older RBCs does not predispose D-negative recipients to anti-D alloimmunization

Am J Clin Pathol. 2010 Sep;134(3):443-7. doi: 10.1309/AJCP2J8SVWOXRLRB.

Abstract

The effect of the age of RBCs on anti-RBC alloimmunization has not been investigated in previous studies of the RBC storage lesion. D-negative recipients of at least 1 D-positive RBC unit were identified. Responders produced an anti-D, while nonresponders had not made anti-D when the database was searched. The 2 groups were matched for age, sex, length of serologic follow-up, and hospital location. There were 29 responders and 58 nonresponders. The median number of all RBCs transfused to the responders was 6, vs 10 for the nonresponders (P < .01); the median age of the RBCs was 15 vs 14 days, respectively (P = .70). Responders received a median of 3 D-positive RBC units vs 4 D-positive RBCs for nonresponders (P = .02); median ages of the D-positive RBCs were 16 vs 14 days, respectively (P = .21). There was no association between the age of transfused RBCs and the likelihood of anti-D alloimmunization.

MeSH terms

  • Blood Banks
  • Blood Preservation*
  • Erythrocyte Transfusion* / adverse effects
  • Erythrocytes / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Isoantibodies / blood*
  • Rh-Hr Blood-Group System / immunology*
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Isoantibodies
  • Rh-Hr Blood-Group System
  • Rho(D) antigen