From the Guidelines
People with IgA deficiency can receive blood transfusions, but they require special preparation to minimize the risk of anaphylactic reactions. The risk of anaphylactic reactions to blood products in patients with IgA deficiency is considered to be small, but it is not entirely clear, and practices vary among medical centers 1. To mitigate this risk, some centers will transfuse products from IgA-deficient donors for IgA-deficient recipients or wash cells before they are transfused 1. Key considerations for transfusion in IgA-deficient patients include:
- Receiving IgA-deficient blood products or washed red blood cells to prevent potential transfusion reactions
- Informing healthcare providers about their IgA deficiency before any transfusion
- Carrying medical alert identification
- Close monitoring during emergency situations where specially prepared blood products are not immediately available
- Coordinating with blood banks in advance when possible to ensure appropriate blood products are available for these patients. It is essential to note that the prevalence of SIGAD might be higher in male patients, and there is a family history of either SIGAD or CVID in 20% to 25% of affected subjects of the same family 1. However, the primary concern in the context of blood transfusions remains the potential for anaphylactic reactions due to anti-IgA antibodies, which can be managed with appropriate preparation and precautions.
From the Research
Blood Transfusion in IgA Deficiency
People with IgA deficiency can receive blood transfusions, but it requires careful management to avoid severe anaphylactic reactions.
- IgA deficiency is a common immunodeficiency that can cause severe reactions when individuals receive blood transfusions containing IgA 2, 3, 4.
- The risk of anaphylactic reactions can be mitigated by using IgA-deficient blood products, such as red blood cells and plasma from IgA-deficient donors 2, 3.
- Blood transfusion centers can screen donors for IgA deficiency and provide IgA-deficient products on demand 2.
- In cases where large volumes of blood components are required, such as during liver transplantation, advance planning and specialized management are necessary to ensure safe transfusion practices 3.
- Alternative strategies, such as washing red blood cells to remove IgA proteins or using autologous plasmapheresis, can also be employed to minimize the risk of reactions 3, 4.