Transfusion therapy and alloimmunization in Thalassemia Intermedia: A 10 year experience at a tertiary care university hospital

Abstract Background Thalassemia Intermedia (TI) has a wide clinical profile with many patients requiring only occasional transfusions. To prevent alloimmunization, we adopted a policy of issuing phenotype matched red blood cells in 2009. We examined transfusion indications and alloimmunization rate in TI patients. Study design and methods Clinical and blood bank records of 37 TI patients were reviewed. Results 23 Patients required transfusion for pregnancy (26), splenectomy (8) and anemia (11). Since 2009, total of 335 units were transfused with only one antibody developing after transfusing a non-phenotype matched unit. Conclusion The commonest indication for blood transfusion was pregnancy. Providing phenotype matched blood has successfully reduced the rate of alloimmunization.