Direct anti-human globulin test is negative in patients on routine unfractionated heparin anticoagulation maintenance haemodialysis in Maiduguri, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

This study examined the possibility of immunological sensitization of the individuals due to "planted" antigen in the blood of patients with chronic renal failure on maintenance haemodialysis. 28 female and 22 male patients with chronic renal failure aged between 15-62 years on regular unfractionated heparin anticoagulation maintenance haemodialysis at the Kidney Center of the University Of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Nigeria were studied. Packed cell volume [PCV], blood film examination and direct anti-human globulin test [DTC] were conducted for each patient by standard methods. The female patients had mean PCV of 0.25 +/- 0.03 and the male 0.26 +/- 0.04. DCT was negative in all cases. Overall blood picture was that of features of microcytic anaemia which persisted after dialysis. Negative direct anti-human globulin tests suggests antibodies to "planted" antigen is not a complication in the studied patients. PCV levels and blood picture related to the severity of disease