ANTIBODY SCREEN AND IDENTIFICATION IN THALASSEMIA PATIENTS: THE WAY FOR EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT!!

Thalassemia is an autosomal recessive hemoglobinopathy which is characterized by impaired hemoglobin (Hb) synthesis. Thalassemia major is usually suspected in a younger age with severe microcytic 1 anemia, mild jaundice and hepatosplenomegaly. Thalassemia intermedia presents at a later age with similar but milder clinical findings. Red blood cell (RBC) transfusions are a crucial healthcare practice such as in patients of thalassemia, myeloproliferative disorders and end-stage renal failure. Life-long red blood transfusion remains the main treatment modality for beta-thalassemia major patients. Such long-term blood transfusions can cause unwanted 2 complications to the patient called transfusion reactions. Alloantibodies development in response to RBC antigens is an important immune-mediated delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction 3 which is a matter of great concern.