Blood transfusion strategy for passenger lymphocyte syndrome after solid organ transplantation

Abstract

Objective To analyze the causes and treatments for the incompatible crossmatching between a patient, who underwent the minor ABO mismatches lung transplantation, and the blood donor with ABO-compatible blood. Methods A patient, who underwent the minor ABO mismatches (donor group O; recipient group A) lung transplantation developed a continuous decrease in Hb for 13 days after surgery, The blood sample of the patient presented major crossmatching incompatibility with the blood donors and the causes of it were analyzed by the recipient′s blood type reviewing, direct antiglobulin test, antibody screening and erythrocyte elution. Results The patient’s serum reacted with A1 erythrocyte reagent with agglutination strength at ±, and enhanced to 1+ at 4℃ after 10 min incubation.Antibodies were not detected by 10-cell panel and the effects of unexpected antibodies were excluded.The results of direct antiglobulin test and elution test were positive, and eluted anti-A antibody was detected.Combined with the patient′s continuous decline in Hb and elevated total bilirubin, passenger lymphocyte syndrome (PLS) was clinically diagnosed.After the transfusion of 6 U of O-type washed RBCs, the symptoms of anemia were improved and no adverse reactions occurred. Conclusion PLS may occur after an ABO mismatched solid organ transplantation.Most of the hemolytic symptoms are not obvious and easy to ignore, therefore clinical indicators of direct antiglobulin test results, Hb and total bilirubin should be continuously monitored after transplantation for early detection and timely treatment of PLS to avoid major adverse consequences.

Keywords

• lung transplantation
• passenger lymphocyte syndrome
• crossmatching