Delayed Hemolytic Reactions
LESS COMMON MECHANISM (Primary Antibody Formation): Let's imagine the same scenario that we described for the anamnestic type of DHTR.
Our poor friend Mr. Johnson is involved in a terrible auto accident as a teenager.
Mr. Johnson still lacks the Jk(a) antigen, and he still forms an antibody against that antigen when he is exposed through transfusion. This time, though, the antibody forms quickly enough that there are still plenty of Jk(a) positive cells still hanging around in his bloodstream when the antibody is formed. The antibody does what antibodies do, and attacks the circulating Jk(a)-positive cells.
This type of a response is known as primary antibody formation, and while it does occur, it occurs much less frequently than the anamnestic type of DHTR.
Now, let's talk talk about how Mr. Johnson might present, and how we would diagnose him.
Back to Transfusion Reaction Types