Immunoglobulin-induced hemolysis, splenomegaly and inflammation in patients with antibody deficiencies

Expert Rev Clin Immunol. 2016 Jul;12(7):725-31. doi: 10.1586/1744666X.2016.1151787. Epub 2016 Mar 3.

Abstract

IgG replacement for primary antibody deficiencies is a safe treatment administered to prevent recurrent infections and reduce mortality. Recently, several reports described acute hemolytic episodes following IgG administration due to a passive transfer of blood group alloantibodies, including anti-A, anti-B, as well as anti-Rh antibodies. Here, we reviewed and discussed the consequences of passively transferred RBCs antibodies. The chronic passive transfer of alloantibodies might also cause a subclinical condition due to a compensated extravascular chronic hemolysis with poorly understood consequences. This phenomenon might possibly represent an unrecognized cause of splenomegaly and might contribute to inflammation in patients with primary antibody deficiencies.

Keywords: Common Variable Immune Deficiency; Hemolysis; Immunoglobulin replacement therapy; Immunoglobulin-Induced Hemolysis; Inflammation; Primary Antibody Defects; Splenomegaly.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Erythrocytes / immunology
  • Hemolysis / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / adverse effects
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / therapeutic use*
  • Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes / immunology
  • Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes / therapy*
  • Inflammation
  • Isoantibodies / immunology
  • Isoantibodies / metabolism*
  • Splenomegaly / etiology

Substances

  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous
  • Isoantibodies