A Fatal Hemolytic Transfusion Reaction with Acute Autohemolysis

Abstract

A fatal hemolytic transfusion reaction due to anti‐Kidd (Jk a ) is described in a woman with aplastic anemia associated with acute leukemia. Radioactive chromium studies, which were in progress at the time, made it possible to demonstrate that a severe autohemolytic crisis was a part of the reaction. The relationship between a hemolytic transfusion reaction and the initiation or intensification of autohemolysis is discussed. The difficulties of serologic diagnosis and selection of blood for transfusion in patients with nonspecific antibodies are reviewed. This case again illustrates that nonspecific agglutinins can mask the presence of specific anti‐red cell antibodies.