Pre-transplant donor-type red cell transfusion is a safe and effective strategy to reduce isohemagglutinin titers and prevent donor marrow infusion reactions in major ABO-mismatched transplants

ABO incompatibility is not a barrier to allogeneic stem cell transplant but may result in acute hemolytic reactions. As stem cell product manipulation is cumbersome, we are reporting the effectiveness and safety of donor-type red cell infusion as a method of reducing acute hemolytic reaction while using marrow as stem cell source. In major ABO-mismatched bone marrow transplants, manipulation of marrow product requires expertise and expensive equipment, which may not be readily available to transplant centers in low- and middle-income regions. The aim behind our study is to report a safe and effective strategy to reduce isohemagglutinin titers and prevent donor marrow infusion reactions in major ABO-mismatched transplants. We retrospectively analyzed 303 consecutive allogeneic bone marrow transplants (BMTs) for beta thalassemia major, between August 2015 and March 2020, with either major (n = 41) or bidirectional (n = 14) mismatches. When isohemagglutinin titers were 1:32 or higher, donor-type packed red blood cell was divided into 4 aliquots, irradiated and administered over 4 days at incremental volumes. Patients were observed for hemolytic reaction, and if no reaction, bone marrow was infused without manipulation. Out of 55 patients, 20 received donor-type blood infusion. Twelve patients showed evidence of mild hemolysis. None developed severe hemolytic or anaphylactic reaction. Titers were rechecked in 14 patients and all had reduction in titers, except for one. Our experience demonstrated that donor-type PRBC infusion is safe and effective in preventing acute hemolysis in major ABO-mismatched stem cell transplants even with bone marrow as graft source.

Automated summary

ABO incompatibility does not prevent allogeneic stem cell transplant, but may lead to acute hemolytic reactions. Administering donor-type red cell infusion can reduce the risk of hemolytic reactions and prevent adverse effects during major ABO-mismatched bone marrow transplants. This study showed that this method is safe and effective in preventing acute hemolysis in such transplants.