Abstract
We experienced a case in which anti-D antibody was detected in an RhD-negative recipient after RBC transfusion of RhD-negative units. A total of 8 units from 5 donors was transfused. All units were analyzed by the anti-D dissociative-adsorption test and by PCR-SSP for the RhD gene at Kanto-Koshinetsu Block Blood Center, Japanese Red Cross. In one unit, a mutation was found on the 1,227 base, which is typical in DEL. There was no obvious evidence of hemolysis or other adverse effects in the lab data and clinical course after transfusion. DEL is classified as RhD-negative based on serological testing, despite the presence of weak D antigen. Several cases about one or two transfusions of DEL to an RhD-negative recipient have been reported so far. This case suggests that DEL is classified as RhD-negative blood units and may produce anti-D antibody in an RhD-negative recipient after transfusion. Therefore, it is necessary to discuss how to prevent the transfusion of DEL to RhD-negative recipients.
