Post-transfusion purpura associated with alloimmunization against the platelet-specific antigen, Baka.

Abstract

Post-transfusion purpura (PTP) with severe thrombocytopenia occurred eight days after transfusion in a 28-year-old woman and responded to treatment with prednisone and plasma exchange. In contrast to nearly all previously studied cases of PTP, the patient's platelets were PlA1-positive and anti-PlA1 antibody could not be detected in serum obtained during the thrombocytopenic episode. Her serum was found to contain an antibody specific for a recently described platelet-specific alloantigen, Baka, in addition to multiple HLA-specific antibodies. The patient's platelets, typed following recovery, were Baka-negative. These findings indicate that post-transfusion purpura can occur in association with alloimmunization to platelet-specific antigens other than PlA1. In performing the serologic studies, a close relationship and possible identity between Baka and another recently reported platelet antigen, Leka, was observed. A method for analyzing mixtures of cytotoxic platelet-reactive antibodies without separating the individual antibodies is described.

• Authors: R M Keimowitz, J Collins, K Davis, R H Aster
• Journal: American journal of hematology (Am J Hematol) Vol. 21 Issue 1 Pg. 79-88 (Jan 1986) ISSN: 0361-8609 [Print] United States
• PMID: 3754690 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• 3a alloantigen, human
• Antigens, Human Platelet
• HLA Antigens
• ITGB3 protein, human
• Integrin beta3
• Isoantibodies
• Isoantigens

Topics

• Adult
• Antigens, Human Platelet
• Blood Group Incompatibility (immunology)
• Blood Platelets (immunology)
• Female
• HLA Antigens (immunology)
• Humans
• Integrin beta3
• Isoantibodies (analysis)
• Isoantigens (immunology)
• Platelet Transfusion
• Purpura, Thrombocytopenic (etiology, immunology)
• Time Factors
• Transfusion Reaction