The rare holley antibody associated with a severe hemolytic transfusion reaction: the importance of this antibody identification to find a compatible blood unit

The correct identification of erythrocyte antibodies is fundamental for the searching for compatible blood and haemolytic transfusion reactions prevention. Antibodies against antigens of high prevalence are difficult to identify because of the rarity of their occurrence and unavailability of negative red cells for confirmation. We report a case of 46-years-old woman, diagnosed with hemoglobinopathy, and who had symptomatic fall in hemoglobin levels (5.3g/dL) after blood transfusion suggestive of transfusion reaction. The patient’s blood type was O RhD-positive. Irregular antibody screening was positive and demonstrated a panreaction against all erythrocytes tested, but this result was not reactive with dithiothreitol. Using negative red cells for antigens of high prevalence of our inventory we could identify in the serum of the same erythrocytes an anti-Holley antibody associated with anti-E. Molecular analysis confirmed that the patient was negative for E and Holley antigens. The crossmath with compatible units confirmed the results. Holley is a high prevalence antigen of the Dombrock blood system whose negative phenotype is extremely rare in all populations and is associated with hemolytic transfusion reactions. This is an antibody that is difficult to identify because laboratories need to have experience in solving complex cases, and have available a large stock of rare sera and erythrocytes, as well other tools such as enzymes, thiol reagents and molecular tests. The correct identification of a rare antibody is initial and mandatory for searching of compatible donors, and to guarantee a satisfactory transfusional support.