Successful transfusion in the presence of anti-K4 (anti-Kp^b)

A 71-year-old group A, D+ female, with anti-K4(-Kp^b),-E, and -S was admitted for her second coronary artery surgery. Four units of autologous red blood cells (RBCs) were transfused perioperatively, and four units of homologous K:-4, E-, S-RBCs were transfused over the next 24 hours. Ten units of fresh frozen plasma and 28 units of platelets were also transfused. Continued bleeding necessitated calling donors from other states in Australia and from the International Panel of Donors of Rare Type, Bristol, UK, maintained by the World Health Organization. Four units of group O, K:4, E-, S-RBCs were transfused in the next 24 hours while the K: 4 blood was in transit. No immediate signs of a transfusion reaction were noted. Blood pressure, temperature, bilirubin, and urinary output were normal, and an increase in hemoglobin was observed. A positive direct antiglobulin test was evident 3 days posttransfusion of the incompatible units and was still present 8 days later. Anti-A and anti-K4 were eluted from the patient’s RBCs. The titer of anti-K4 increased from 8 preoperatively to 2,048 19 days posttransfusion of K:4 RBCs. Subsequent transfusions were not required, and the patient was discharged 3 weeks after the operation without further incident. Immunohematology 1994;10:87-89.