[Inconvenience of planned prophylaxis of transfusion-induced alloimmunization to red cells in chronic renal insufficiency].

Records from 506 hemodialysis multitransfused patients were reviewed to evaluate the incidence of transfusion induced red cell allo-immunization. Out of 405 patients having received a total of 6 608 red cell transfusions compatible for A, B and D antigens, only 7 patients (1.72%) developed allo-antibodies which may be attributed to such transfusions. Elaborate red cell phenotyping in un-immunized recipients and selection of blood units compatible for other antigens than A, B and D in an effort to prevent red cell allo-immunization to other blood group antigens in such potentially multitransfused patients does not accordingly appear to be justified and cost-effective.