The Hemoglobin Levels and Transfusion Intervals of Beta-Thalassemia Patients with Positive and Negative Allo-Autoantibodies

Beta-thalassemia is a common cause of anemia. Blood transfusion is the primary therapy for beta-thalassemia patients in Indonesia who are at risk of developing allo-autoantibodies. These antibodies can lead to the lysis of red blood cells, resulting in a rapid decrease in hemoglobin levels and shorter transfusion intervals. This research aims to compare hemoglobin levels and transfusion intervals in beta-thalassemia patients with positive and negative allo-autoantibodies. This research is a retrospective cohort study utilizing medical record data from beta-thalassemia patients who underwent blood transfusions at Dr. Soetomo Hospital. The patients were divided into two groups: those with positive allo-autoantibodies and those with negative allo-autoantibodies. Data on hemoglobin levels and transfusion dates were collected five times consecutively between July and December, 2021. The hemoglobin levels of the two groups were compared using the Mann-Whitney test, while the transfusion intervals were analysed using the T-test. Data were obtained from 52 beta-thalassemia patients who received transfusions, with 25 (48%) testing positive for allo-autoantibodies and 27 (52%) testing negative. It was observed that the hemoglobin levels of the two groups were not significantly different (p = 0.769). Similarly, the transfusion intervals of the two groups were not significantly different (p = 0.899). There were no significant differences in hemoglobin levels and transfusion intervals between patients with positive and negative allo-autoantibodies.