Transfusion to blood group A and O patients of group B RBCs that have been enzymatically converted to group O.

BACKGROUND: The transfusion of ABO-incompatible RBGs is the leading cause of fatal transfusion reactions. Group 0 RBGs, lacking terminal immunodominant A and B sugars to which humans are immunized, are safe for transfusion to persons of any ABO blood group. With the use of a recombinant a-galactosidase to remove terminal galactose from group B RBGs, the safety and efficacy of enzymeconverted group-B-to-group-O (EGO) RBG components were studied in transfusion-dependent patients. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Twenty-four patients (blood groups A and 0) were randomly assigned to receive transfusion(s) of either EGO or control group 0 RBGs. If a second transfusion was given, the other blood component was