Resolving blood group discrepancy in a patient with acute myeloid leukemia: A case report

Abstract

Introduction. The ABO blood group antigens are determined by genes located at three separate genetic loci. Loss or weakening of ABO antigens is often associated with hematological malignant diseases, but also solid tumors in the body. A change in the expression of ABO antigens leads to discrepancies when determining the patient?s blood group and carries the risk of incompatible transfusions. Case Report. During the blood typing of a 27-year-old female patient with a diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia, there were discrepancies in the interpretation of the ABO blood group. Since the confirmation blood group indicated that it was blood group O, when determining the reverse blood group, the reading showed the absence of the expected agglutination of group A1 and B red blood cells. By examination of the patient?s records, as well as confirmation genotyping, the blood group A was established. After the patient entered the remission phase of the disease, the A Rhesus D positive blood group was determined, without discrepancies during testing. Conclusion. Changes in blood groups can occur even before the diagnosis of hematological malignant disease is established. For this reason, it is extremely important to thoroughly examine any discrepancy during blood typing in order to provide patients with safe blood.