Description

ABO incompatibility associated with a hematopoietic progenitor cell (HPC) transplant needs to be recognized and treated appropriately.


 

ABO Incompatibility

Criteria

major

isoagglutinins in recipient's plasma are incompatible with donor's erythrocytes

minor

isoagglutinins in donor's product incompatible with recipient's erythrocytes

mixed (bidirectional)

combination of major and minor incompatibilities

 

 

ABO Incompatibility

Donor

Recipient

major

A, B or AB

O

major

AB

A or B

minor

O

A, B or AB

mixed (bidirectional)

A

B

mixed bidirectional

B

A

 

 

ABO Incompatibility

Complications

major

immediate hemolysis, delayed engraftment of RBCs, pure red cell aplasia (PRCA)

minor

immediate hemolysis, passenger lymphocyte syndrome

mixed (bidirectional)

immediate hemolysis, other complications of major and minor incompatibilities

 

A major incompatibility can be avoided by removing RBCs from the product if the volume of red cells is large (> 30 mL) and the recipient has an isoagglutinin titer > 1:32. In severe cases the recipient's isoagglutinins can be removed prior to transplant by immunoabsorptin or total plasma exchange.

 

A minor incompatibility can be avoided by removing plasma from the HPC product. In severe cases the recipient's red blood cells can be replaced with the donor's type via RBC exchange and/or rituximab therapy.

 


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