Mother-newborn ABO group discrepancy caused by a rare BW.17 variant.

Several ABO gene mutations are known to determine rare subgroups: these ABO variants are often responsible for weak or null phenotypes and may cause an incorrect determination of the serotype. Here we describe for the first time the phenotypic discrepancy of a rare B allele within the same Caucasian family that depends on the co-inheritance with A or H antigen. Blood samples from newborns, mothers, and grandmothers were analysed through routine serotype and genotype testing. Blood compatibility test was performed for red blood cells or serum of the grandmother. ABO exons were investigated through PCR and sanger sequencing. According to serology, the phenotype of the mother was AB, while it was O for the newborn. Genotype analysis confirmed that the mother was AB, while the newborn was found to be B. Sanger sequencing revealed the presence of a rare mutation in both individuals (784 G>A, D262N), corresponding to the ABO*BW.17 allele. The grandmother was found to have the same genotype/serotype of the newborn. Crossmatch testing suggested that subjects with this genotype/serotype might be considered O donors and recipients.

Platelet-rich Plasma Lysate for Treatment of Eye Surface Diseases.

Various ocular surface diseases are treated with blood-derived eye drops. Their use has been introduced in clinical practice because of their metabolite and growth factor content, which promotes eye surface regeneration. Blood-based eye drops can be prepared from different sources (i.e., whole blood or platelet apheresis donation), as well as with different protocols (e.g., different dilutions and freeze/thaw cycles). This variability hampers the standardization of clinical protocols and, consequently, the evaluation of their clinical efficacy. Detailing and sharing the methodological procedures may contribute to defining common guidelines. Over the last years, allogenic products have been diffusing as an alternative to the autologous treatments since they guarantee higher efficacy standards; among them, the platelet-rich plasma lysate (PRP-L) eye drops are prepared with simple manufacturing procedures. In the transfusion medicine unit at AUSL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Italy, PRP-L is obtained from platelet-apheresis donation. This product is initially diluted to 0.3 x 109 platelets/mL (starting from an average concentration of 1 x 109 platelets/mL) in 0.9% NaCl. Diluted platelets are frozen/thawed and, subsequently, centrifuged to eliminate debris. The final volume is split into 1.45 mL aliquots and stored at -80 °C. Before being dispensed to patients, eye drops are tested for sterility. Patients may store platelet lysates at -15 °C for up to 1 month. The growth factor composition is also assessed from randomly selected aliquots, and the mean values are reported here.