ANOMALOUS ABO PHENOTYPE IN A CHILD AFTER AN ABO-INCOMPATIBLE LIVER-TRANSPLANTATION

RED-CELL A and B antigens are primarily intrinsic membrane glycoproteins that become attached during erythropoiesis by specific A and B transferase enzymes.1 A and B antigens may also be acquired by red-cell adsorption of A and B substances present in the plasma of secretors.2 The acquisition or loss of ABO antigens has been reported in association with cancers, hematologic disorders, infections, and bone marrow transplantation.3 Except in emergencies, the compatibility of the donor's and the recipient's ABO blood types is ensured in liver transplantation.4 5 6 In this report we describe a successful ABO-incompatible liver transplantation in a child whose blood type. © 1992, Massachusetts Medical Society. All rights reserved.