Immune Haemolysis after Renal Transplantation Secondary to ABO Minor-Mismatch between Donor and Recipient

Jayaranee S, Prathiba Ramesh, Vasanthi Nadesan
Correspondence: Dr Jayaranee S, jayarane@ummc.edu.my

ABSTRACT
Immune haemolysis following renal transplantation has been reported and known causes include infection, medication and metabolic disturbances (1,2). Autoimmune haemolysis after renal transplantation secondary to ABO minor mismatch is an uncommon but important cause that should be considered in the differential diagnosis of post-transplantation haemolysis. A case of haemolytic anaemia caused by graft versus host antibody formation is presented. We suggest that direct Coomb's test should be done as a routine in all cases of ABO mismatch renal transplantation and red cells compatible with both donor and recipient or group "O" packed cells should be transfused if transfusion is indicated.

Keywords: Renal transplantation, ABO mismatch, autoimmune haemolysis
Singapore Med J 2002; 43(8): 421-422