A case of acute hemolytic transfusion reaction due to anti-Di(a) antibody -A case report-

Many medical institutions in Korea have recently been performing an antibody screening test as one of the essential elements of a pre-transfusion test. The Di(a) antigen is well known as one of the antigens with low incidence among Caucasians; however, it has been discovered with a relatively higher incidence among Mongoloid populations. The frequency of the Di(a) antigen among the Korean population is estimated to be 6.4-14.5%. But in Korea, a screening panel of cells from abroad without Di(a) positive cells has been commonly used when a patient has an unexpected antibody screening test. Here we report a case of acute hemolytic transfusion reaction due to Anti-Di(a) antibody. To prevent other transfusion reaction by anti-Di(a) antibody, addition of Di(a) positive cells as unexpected antibody screening test is recommended.