HLA-DRB1 and cytokine polymorphisms in Brazilian patients with myelodysplastic syndromes and its association with red blood cell alloimmunization.

Objective(s): This study aimed investigate association of HLA-DRB1 and cytokine polymorphisms with red blood cell(RBC) alloimmunization in Brazilian Myelodysplastic syndrome(MDS) patients with prior exposure to RBC transfusion.

Background: MDS patients are at risk RBC alloimmunization due to chronic RBC transfusion. However, differences in immune response of MDS transfused patients are not completely known.

Platelet antibodies identification: comparison between two laboratory tests.

Introduction: Platelet antibody identification is indispensable for diagnosing the human platelet antigen (HPA) or human leukocyte antigen (HLA) immunization, mostly because it can restrict the compatibility and results of transfusions. Correct detection of these antibodies is of utmost importance for the diagnosis and treatment.

Method: We present 16 platelet alloimmunization results, comparing two tests with different technologies: the MAIPA (monoclonal antibody immobilization of platelet antigens), as a reference technique, and a bead-based assay, the Pak-Lx.