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Thalass. Rep., Volume 15, Issue 2 (June 2025) – 2 articles

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10 pages, 222 KiB  
Article
Prevalence and Specificity of Red Blood Cell Alloimmunization: Insights from Transfusion-Dependent Populations in Serbia
by Radovan Dinić, Nevenka Bujandrić and Jasmina Grujić
Thalass. Rep. 2025, 15(2), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/thalassrep15020005 - 7 May 2025
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Abstract
Background/Objectives: Red blood cell (RBC) alloimmunization is a significant challenge in transfusion medicine, particularly among transfusion-dependent patients, such as those with thalassemia. It arises from the production of antibodies against non-self RBC antigens and can lead to complications like hemolytic transfusion reactions. This [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Red blood cell (RBC) alloimmunization is a significant challenge in transfusion medicine, particularly among transfusion-dependent patients, such as those with thalassemia. It arises from the production of antibodies against non-self RBC antigens and can lead to complications like hemolytic transfusion reactions. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence, specificity, and clinical implications of RBC alloimmunization at the University Clinical Center of Serbia (UCCS), emphasizing transfusion-dependent populations. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 27,530 transfusion records at UCCS between January 2023 and January 2024. Pre-transfusion testing included ABO and RhD typing, irregular antibody screening, and crossmatching. Data from 630 patients with positive antibody screening were reviewed. Alloantibody specificity was determined using indirect antiglobulin tests and advanced phenotyping methods. Results: Among 27,530 patients, 630 (2.29%) tested positive for irregular antibodies, predominantly males (57.14%) with a mean age of 49.6 years. Alloantibodies were detected in 70.47% of cases, most commonly targeting Rh (53.35%) and Kell (17.15%) systems. Anti-E (27.93%) and anti-D (18.02%) were the most frequent antibodies. Multiple alloantibodies were identified in 18.41% of patients, posing challenges for blood compatibility. In a total of 495 patients with thalassemia, antibodies were found in 9.69%. Alloimmunization was significantly associated with higher numbers of transfusions and pregnancies (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Our findings indicate that alloimmunization is predominantly associated with Rh and Kell antigens, suggesting that implementing targeted antigen matching may reduce the frequency of alloimmunization. While our study does not directly assess the impact of genotypic matching, the prior literature supports its role in enhancing transfusion safety, particularly for high-risk populations like thalassemia patients. Full article
9 pages, 727 KiB  
Article
Dysregulation of Iron Homeostasis in β-Thalassemia and Impaired Neutrophil Activity
by Sreenithi Santhakumar, Leo Stephen, Aruna Barade, Uday Kulkarni, Biju George and Eunice S. Edison
Thalass. Rep. 2025, 15(2), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/thalassrep15020004 - 25 Apr 2025
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Abstract
Background/Objective: Patients with beta-thalassemia are more susceptible to iron overload and have altered neutrophil function. This study investigated the connections between iron metabolism in neutrophils, neutrophil functionality, and overall iron status in individuals with β-thalassemia and sickle cell anemia. Methods: We recruited [...] Read more.
Background/Objective: Patients with beta-thalassemia are more susceptible to iron overload and have altered neutrophil function. This study investigated the connections between iron metabolism in neutrophils, neutrophil functionality, and overall iron status in individuals with β-thalassemia and sickle cell anemia. Methods: We recruited 18 patients with β-thalassemia, 5 patients with sickle cell anemia, and 15 healthy controls. Our evaluation included measurements of iron and hepcidin concentrations in the serum, along with an analysis of neutrophil function, specifically their phagocytic and oxidative burst capabilities. In addition, we examined the expression of iron transport proteins in neutrophils. Results: Patients with β-thalassemia showed significant iron overload, reduced neutrophil counts, and decreased oxidative burst activity and phagocytosis. Systemic iron status is inversely correlated with the phagocytic capacity of β-thalassemia neutrophils. Regression analysis indicated a significant association between serum iron level, transferrin iron binding capacity, transferrin saturation, and neutrophil percentage. These findings elucidate the essential role of systemic iron levels in neutrophil efficacy against infections. Furthermore, FPN1B and DMT1A mRNA levels were upregulated, and IRP2 was downregulated in the neutrophils of patients with β-thalassemia major and intermedia compared to controls. Conclusions: Elevated systemic iron levels were associated with reduced neutrophil counts and impaired neutrophil function in patients with β-thalassemia. These findings highlight a critical role of systemic iron overload in neutrophil dysfunction. Full article
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