Red Cell Alloimmunization and Autoimmunization in Transfusion Dependent Sickle Cell Disease Patients at the Yemeni Society of Thalassemia and Genetic Blood Disorders in Sana'a City, Yemen
Objectives: Red cell alloimmunization is a major complication in sickle cell disease (SCD) patients, resulting in delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions (HTR) and hyperhemolysis. The rate of SCD alloimmunization in Arabic countries varies from 4.3% to 65.5%. This study is the first research that aimed to determine the prevalence and phenotypes of red cell allo/autoimmunization in transfusion-dependent SCD patients at the Yemeni Society of Thalassemia and Genetic Blood Disorders (YSTGBD) in Sana'a city, Yemen. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on a total of 153 SCD patients who received multiple blood transfusions during the period from December 1, 2023, to April 30, 2024. Data was collected using a standard-designed questionnaire. Blood samples were used for blood group determination, Rh typing, and RBC alloantibody/autoantibody detection. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 26. Results: Among 153 SCD patients, there were 88 males and 65 females, aged 1-56 years. The most common blood group was O (58.2%), followed by A (30.7%), B (9.8%), and AB (1.3%). There were 86.3% of patients who had RhD+, while 13.7% had RhD-. The prevalence of alloantibodies and autoantibodies was 9.15% and 1.3%, respectively. Anti-E alloantibody had the highest prevalence (35.7%), followed by anti-K alloantibody (28.6%), anti-c antibody (21.4%), and anti-C and anti-e alloantibodies (7.1% each). Conclusion: Alloimmunization and autoimmunization were found with a low rate among transfusion-dependent sickle cell disease patients in Sana'a City, Yemen. The most frequent alloantibodies identified were anti-E, anti-K, anti-c, anti-C, and anti-e antibodies.
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