Clinical and Laboratory Aspects of Immune Cytopenias
Program Code: 408-TC
Tuesday, October 26, 2004
8:30 AM to 12:00 PM (ET)

SPEAKERS
George Garratty, PhD, FRCPath, American Red Cross Blood Services
Richard H. Aster, MD, The Blood Center of Southeastern Wisconsin
Lawrence Petz, MD, StemCyte International Cord Blood Center
Scott Murphy, MD, American Red Cross Blood Services

DESCRIPTION
This session will cover mechanisms of immune cytopenia, many of which are common to the in-vivo destruction of all circulating cells, as well as a review of current concepts on why red blood cells and platelets can have shortened survival due to drug antibodies. A discussion of the differential diagnosis of immune hemolysis following hematopietic cell transplantation and a comparison between the various approaches (e.g., HLA-matching, cross matching, ASP) in providing optimal platelet support for patients refractory to platelet transfusion will follow.

OBJECTIVES

• Describe the major mechanisms involved in the immune destruction of red blood cells and platelets
• Explain proposed mechanisms causing drug-induced immune hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia
• Discuss findings and management of DAT negative autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) and immune hemolytic anemia in pregnancy and transplantation
• List the pros and cons of various approaches for supplying optimal support for patients refractory to platelet transfusions

AUDIENCE
Physicians, Scientists, Technologists, Managers/Supervisors

PROGRAM LEVEL
Intermediate to Advanced