Korean Journal of Blood Transfusion  2017;28(2):163-169

doi:10.17945/kjbt.2017.28.2.163

Delayed Hemolytic Transfusion Reaction with Alloimmunization of Rh Phenotype: A Two-Case Study.

Dong Won YOO 1 ; Hyun Ji LEE ; Sun Min LEE ; In Suk KIM ; Duyeal SONG ; Chulhun L CHANG ; Kyung Hwa SHIN ; Hyung Hoi KIM

Affiliations

+expand

Keywords

Alloimmunization; Delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions; Rh subgroup; Unexpected antibody

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

Korean

Abstract

Delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction is difficult to prevent using an unexpected antibody test performed prior to transfusion, and unlike acute hemolytic transfusion reaction, it occurs a few days after blood transfusion. Hence, determining the reason for delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction may be a tim-consuming task for clinicians Here, we report our experience of two cases of delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction as a result of the unexpected antibody production to Rh blood group antigens after transfusion. The first patient with a history of transfusion during admission was identified as having anti-E and anti-C antibodies according to the antibody identification test at the time of re-admission. The second patient who had chronic blood transfusion due to cancer treatment was found to have anti-C antibody. Both patients received transfusion of Rh antigen-compatible RBC units only after unexpected antibody development. However, like both cases, patients receiving continuous blood transfusion should be considered for a routine Rh phenotype test.