Journal of Blood Disorders & Transfusion

Abstract

Frequency, Pattern and Risk Factors for Red Blood Cell Alloimmunization in Multiply Transfused Cancer Patients in a Nigerian Tertiary Healthcare Facility in Nigeria

Ologbo Thompson Onoriode, Nwogoh Benedict* and Enosolease Mathew Ebose

Background: Anaemia is a common complication of cancer and its treatment. Red blood cell transfusion is an important supportive care element for the treatment of anaemia in cancer patients. Red cell alloimmunization and its associated effect can increase disease morbidity and outcome in cancer patients. This study is aimed at determining the frequency, pattern and risk factors associated alloimmunization in multiply transfused cancer patients.

Methodology: This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin- City, Edo State. Seventy-five cancer patients including 15 with haematological malignancies and 60 with solid organ cancers who have been multiply transfused were recruited consecutively into the study. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain subject demographics, information on the type of cancer, transfusion history. Blood sample was collected from consenting participants for blood counts, blood group determination, alloantibody screening and identification. All serological tests were performed using a standard protocol. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.

Results: The frequency of red cell alloimmunization was 13.3%. Thirteen alloantibodies were detected in 10 patients. The majority 8 (61.5%) were against the Rhesus blood group antigens, 3 (23.1%) anti-Kell, 1 (7.7%), anti-Lewis and one (7.7%). There were no significant associated risk factors in the study population.

Conclusion: There a high rate of red cell alloimmunization in multiply transfused cancer patients in our environment Age below 40 years, female gender, non-O ABO blood group status, and initiation of chemotherapy were associated with increased odds of alloimmunization.

Published Date: 2022-01-25; Received Date: 2022-01-04