Pure red cell aplasia following ABO mismatched marrow transplantation for chronic lymphocytic leukemia: response to antithymocyte globulin.

Pure red cell aplasia was observed in a 28 year old woman following a major ABO mismatched allogeneic bone marrow transplant for chronic lymphocytic leukemia. No evidence of red blood cell production was observed for more than one year following transplant despite the absence of high isohemagglutinin titers. Treatment with antithymocyte globulin resulted in prompt restoration of reticulocytosis. Therapy with antithymocyte globulin should be considered in these instances when red cell aplasia follows mismatched allogeneic marrow transplantation.