Erythrocyte sensitization and anemia due to isoantibodies in lyophilized pooled plasma

Abstract

Anemia developed in 2 patients after transfusion of commercially prepared, lyophilized pooled plasma for treatment of hemophilia. Both patients manifested positive direct antiglobulin tests. One patient was of blood group A and the other of blood group B, and corresponding isoantibodies were eluted from their erythrocytes. The danger of isoantibodies of high titer in pooled plasma is emphasized by these cases, as is the possibility of disparity between the potency of saline and immune agglutinins. It is suggested that use of this plasma generally should be restricted to patients of blood group O. Patients of other blood groups safely may receive it only if the saline and immune isohemagglutinins are present in specified low titer, and if it will be given only for a brief interval.