Isoimmunization in haemophiliacs

Serum samples from 134 Greek haemophiliacs multitransfused with fresh frozen plasma and factor - VIII or factor - IX concentrates were investigated for the presence of blood group antibodies. All samples were tested against a panel of selected cells of known but differing genotype. The incidence of blood group antibodies was 12.7 96. Anti-D was found in 6 out of the 17 immunized patients, i.e., 35.3 % of D-negative haemophiliacs were sensitized. It is concluded that the high incidence of immunization is a serious complication of repeated plasma transfusions.