Effect of serum panel reactive antibodies on allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in pediatric thalassemia patients: A single-center experience

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of serum panel reactive antibodies (PRA) on the outcomes of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in pediatric thalassemia patients.Methods: A total of 73 pediatric patients with thalassemia were included in this single-center study. Pre-transplant PRA levels were evaluated, and the patients were divided into two groups: PRA-negative (group 1; n = 44) and PRA-positive (group 2; n = 29). Patient characteristics, including age, gender, donor type, stem cell source, and HLA compatibility, were analyzed. Transplant outcomes, including engraftment, transfusion requirements, and transplant-related complications, were compared between the two groups. Further subgroup analysis was performed based on MFI values.Results: At the time of transplantation, patients in group 1 were younger than those in group 2 (p = .008). The number of fully matched donors within the family (MSD and MFD) was significantly higher in group 1 (p = .049). Additionally, Rh blood group incompatibility was higher in group 2 (p = .03). There was no statistically significant difference in the engraftment days of neutrophils, platelets, and erythrocytes between the two groups. The frequency of poor graft function and graft failure was higher in the group 2, but there was no statistically significant difference. Post-transplant transfusion requirements for platelets and red blood cells were significantly higher in the group 2 (p < .001). Transplant-related complications such as VOD, PRES, and aGvHD were more common in the group 2, but no statistical significance was detected.Conclusions: Serum PRA in pediatric thalassemia patients may impact the outcomes of HSCT. PRA-positive patients had higher rates of blood product transfusion requirements. Although poor graft function, graft failure, and post-transplant complications were more common in the group 2, statistical significance was not observed. Identifying patients with high PRA levels can assist in optimizing transplant strategies and post-transplant care, leading to improved outcomes for the patients.