Transfusion support and pre-transfusion testing in autoimmune haemolytic anaemia.

autoimmune haemolytic anaemia; pre‐transfusion testing; transfusion; transfusion algorithm; transfusion laboratory issues; Autoantibodies; Erythrocyte Transfusion; Algorithms; Autoantibodies/blood; Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune/therapy; Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune/blood; Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune/diagnosis; Blood Transfusion/methods; Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune; Blood Transfusion; Hematology

Abstract :

[en] Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA) is characterized by an increased destruction of red blood cells due to immune dysfunction and auto-antibody production. Clinical manifestations are mainly related to anaemia, which can become life-threatening in case of acute haemolysis. Aiming at counterbalancing severe anaemia, supportive treatments for these patients frequently include transfusions. Unfortunately, free serum auto-antibodies greatly interfere in pre-transfusion testing, and the identification of compatible red blood cell units for AIHA patients can be challenging or even impossible. Problems faced in pre-transfusion testing often lead to delay or abandonment of transfusions for AIHA patients. In this review, we discuss publications concerning global transfusion management in AIHA, with a focus on pre-transfusion testing, and practical clues to manage the selection of transfusion units for these patients. Depending on the degree of transfusion emergency, we propose an algorithm for the selection and laboratory testing of units to be transfused to AIHA patients.

Disciplines :

Laboratory medicine & medical technology

Author, co-author :

BINSFELD, Marilène ; Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Liège - CHU > > Service d'hématologie biologique et immuno-hématologie

Devey, Anaïs ; Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Liège - CHU > > Service d'hématologie biologique et immuno-hématologie

Gothot, André ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département des sciences biomédicales et précliniques > Biologie de la coagulation et de l'hémostase

Language :

English

Title :

Transfusion support and pre-transfusion testing in autoimmune haemolytic anaemia.

Publication date :

October 2024

Journal title :

Vox Sanguinis

ISSN :

0042-9007

eISSN :

1423-0410

Publisher :

John Wiley and Sons Inc, England

Volume :

119

Issue :

Pages :

1029 - 1038

Peer reviewed :

Peer Reviewed verified by ORBi

Additional URL :

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/vox.13699

Available on ORBi :

since 27 July 2025

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