Passenger Lymphocyte Syndrome as a rare cause of hemolysis in a patient after small intestine transplantation, A case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Passenger lymphocyte syndrome (PLS) is a well-described phenomenon causing immune hemolytic anemia, mostly in non-ABO identical transplantations. The syndrome occurs when donor lymphocytes produce antibodies against the recipient's red blood cells. Although the syndrome is usually self-limited, further management with blood transfusions, immunosuppression, or plasmapheresis might be needed. A 23-year-old female with AB + blood group underwent small intestine transplantation from a deceased donor with O + blood group. She received rituximab, thymoglobin, and methylprednisolone as immunosuppressive induction. In the 9 th postoperation day, she developed hemolysis which was primarily managed with blood transfusions and finally ceased by plasmapheresis and intravenous immunoglobulin. Few cases of PLS have been previously described in intestinal transplantation recipients. Correct diagnosis and management prevents severe hemolysis outcomes. Previous cases have been successfully treated with a combination of immune suppression, plasma exchange, and transfusions.