Laurie L. Wakefield

How do I … manage the platelet transfusion–refractory patient?

Platelet transfusion–refractoriness is a challenging and expensive clinical scenario seen most often in patients with hematologic malignancies. Although the majority of platelet transfusion–refractory cases are due to nonimmune causes, a significant minority are caused by alloimmunization against Class I human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) or human platelet antigens (HPAs). Such platelet transfusion–refractory patients can be effectively managed with appropriate antigen‐negative products.

Clinical Outcomes of HLA-DPB1 Mismatches in 10/10 HLA-Matched Unrelated Donor-Recipient Pairs Undergoing Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant

HLA‐DPB1 matching may impact allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) outcomes; however, this locus is not in linkage disequilibrium with the remainder of the HLA genes. After classifying HLA‐DPB1 mismatches based on T‐cell epitope, avoiding non‐permissive mismatches may impact survival. We tested this hypothesis at a single academic institution.

The association of de novo anti-HLA-DPB1 donor-specific antibody formation and primary graft failure after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation

Despite advances in HLA matching, graft failure remains a serious complication after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Pre-formed anti-HLA donor-specific antibodies (DSAs) have been associated with graft failure, but the impact of newly developing (de novo) anti-HLA antibodies on HCT outcomes remains unknown. Here, we present the first reported case of graft failure associated with de novo anti-HLA-DPB1 DSA after a 10/10 matched unrelated donor HCT. Based on this observation, testing for DSA should be considered in case of unexplained pancytopenia after allogeneic transplantation, especially after reduced intensity conditioning.