Gm Types and Antibodies in Multitransfused Haemophiliacs

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Summary. The frequency of Gm and Inv factors in a group of 100 multitransfused patients with haemophilia or Christmas disease was found to be similar to that in the normal population. 14 patients were found to have Gm specific antibodies, nine to have non‐specific antibodies and 20 to have a positive latex test for rheumatoid arthritis. 60% of the children aged less than 10 yr had Gm specific antibodies. Only a minority of the patients with antibodies had a positive latex test. Neither specific nor non‐specific antibodies were found in the 17 patients who had been most heavily transfused, and it is suggested that these patients might have developed immune tolerance. Cryoprecipitate and factor‐VIII concentrate contain Gm activity and are probably capable of provoking isoimmunization. The occurrence of Gm specific or non‐specific antibodies was not related to a history of severe transfusion reactions.