Autoantibodies to red blood cell antigens occur frequently with hemolysis among pediatric small bowel transplant recipients: Clinical implications and management

Scott A. Koepsell, Wendy Grant, James D. Landmark

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Scopus citations

Abstract

Reports have linked pediatric solid organ transplant recipients with the development of hemolytic autoimmune antibodies, especially in the setting of the immunosuppressant tacrolimus. This study aims to identify whether these observations also occurred at an institution that frequently performs pediatric multivisceral transplants and to characterize the treatment and outcome. Chart review was performed on all patients with RBC autoantibodies. Laboratory and clinical data were used to identify hemolysis. For transplant recipients with RBC autoantibodies, the type of transplant and outcome of the AIHA were profiled. One hundred twenty-eight patients were identified with RBC autoantibodies, of which 22 patients were solid organ transplant recipients, including 18 SB graft recipients. Sixteen of the 18 had evidence of hemolysis. The incidence rate of AIHA in this population is estimated to be 10%, resulting in significant cost. Treatment included immunosuppressant modulation, steroids, IVIG, and plasma exchange, with 12 of the 16 patients responding. RBC autoantibodies occur in up to 10% in pediatric SB transplant recipients, with high cost of obtaining compatible blood. Neither tacrolimus nor receipts of a donor spleen were associated with the development of AIHA. Treatment using steroids and IVIG appears to be effective.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)62-67
Number of pages6
JournalPediatric Transplantation
Volume19
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 1 2015

Keywords

  • anemia
  • autoantibodies
  • autoimmune hemolytic anemia
  • small bowel transplantation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Transplantation

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