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

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.