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Preprints

Donor/recipient Rh-mismatched allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: transfusion strategy and allo-immunization to red blood cell antigens

XHAARD A, Floch A, Robin M, de Fontbrune FS, Michonneau D, Kaphan E, Prata P, Ruggiu M, Socie G, Traineau R, de Latour RP, Lepretre A.
Preprint from
Research Square
22 February 2024
PPR
PPR809265
Abstract
In the case of donor/recipient rhesus (Rh)-incompatibility after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT), the transfusion policy in France is to transfuse red blood cells (RBC) in the donor’s Rh phenotype from the day of transplantation, leading to a risk of allo-immunization, either of donor or recipient origin. In this single-center retrospective study, the incidence of donor/recipient Rh incompatibility was 7.1% over an eight-year period including 1 012 alloHSCT. Six of 58 evaluable patients (10.3%) developed alloantibodies to RBC antigens within one year of alloHSCT. None of these allo-immunizations were directed against the donor-mismatched Rh antigens and none of them could have been prevented by the transfusion of recipient and donor Rh-compatible RBC units. None of these allo-immunizations led to immune-mediated hemolytic anemia. These results show that, in the context of donor/recipient Rh incompatibility, the transfusion of packed RBC units in the donor’s Rh phenotype from the day of alloHSCT is feasible and not associated with a high risk of allo-immunization. The generalization of this strategy could also be discussed even when donor and recipient Rh phenotypes could be respected, to allow the preservation of units of infrequent phenotypes for other indications.