Serological characteristics of Lewis antibodies and their clinical significance - A case series.

INTRODUCTION

Lewis antibodies have been thought to play a small role in clinical transfusion practice, but recent reports suggest that they have gained more importance in the context of transfusion and transplantation. Data regarding the prevalence of Lewis antibodies and their clinical significance in the Indian context is very limited. Hence, this study was aimed at analyzing the serological characteristics and clinical significance of Lewis antibodies encountered in our patient and donor populations.

METHODS

The retrospective data analyzed the records of red cell antibody screening results and the additional serological evaluation performed on the donor and patient samples included in the study.

RESULTS

A total of 26 study subjects were noted to have Lewis antibodies (including 6 healthy donors and 20 patients). Of them, 13 individuals had anti-Le, 10 had anti-Le and the remaining three had an anti-Le/Le mixture. IgG Lewis antibodies were detected in 7 individuals. All cases of IgM Lewis antibodies detected were reacting at 37°C. Two patients were suspected of having hemolytic transfusion reactions due to Lewis antibodies. Antigen-negative cross-match compatible units were provided for transfusion in the recipients.

CONCLUSION

Lewis antibodies of the IgM class reacting at 37°C should be regarded as clinically important. The present study findings urge that the lab personnel look for the thermal amplitude of Lewis antibodies, irrespective of the fact that the antibody class and antigen-negative crossmatch compatible units should be provided to avoid hemolytic transfusion reactions.