The Prevalence and Main Determinants of Red-Cell Alloimmunization Among Iranian Beta-Thalassemia Patients; a Multicentric Tertiary Hospital Study Publisher



Salarvand S ; Abdollahi A ; Anvari MS ; Ali Abadi MM ; Sohrabinia H ; Naseri S ; Nazar E
Source: Journal of Iranian Medical Council Published:2026

Abstract

Background: The production of alloantibodies as an immunological reaction to blood cell transfusion is a therapeutic challenge in patients with beta-thalassemia. Determining the rate of this event and its related factors is very important in managing blood transfusion. This study aimed to assess the prevalence rate and main determinants of red-cell alloimmunization in Iran’s selected sample of patients with beta-thalassemia. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 265 beta-thalassemia patients scheduled for regular blood transfusions in Imam Khomeini Complex Hospital and Children’s Medical Center as tertiary hospitals in 2021 and 2022. Along with baseline characteristics, special laboratory techniques also tracked the types of alloantibodies to red cell antigens. Results: The overall rate of alloantibody positivity in thalassemia patients was 17.4%. The most common alloantibodies were anti-K in 10.6%, anti-E type in 4.5%, and anti-C in 2.3%. Conclusion: Overall, 17.4% of beta-thalassemia patients in our population may face red-cell alloimmunization. Phenotyping and blood matching for K, E, and C antigens in patients with transfusion-dependent thalassemia could reduce the rate of RBC alloimmunization. © 2026, Islamic Republic of Iran Medical Council. All rights reserved.