Post BMT—Blood type not yet changing

[Lab2017]

Hello,
I’m a 40 yr old female diagnosed with Severe Aplastic Anemia 2017. I received a Bone Marrow Transplant in October of 2017. My blood type has not yet changed and I’m about 8 months post-transplant. I was told it should change about 120 days post-transplant. Has anyone else experienced this? All my blood counts are normal except my RBCs. My doctors have explained that it’s not a graft failure because of this. I have to still get RBCs about every two weeks. Thanks in advance for any insight.

[evansmom]

Hi there.

My son's blood type (O+) didn't change to donor blood type (A+) until about 8 months post transplant. From what I have read, some type transitions take longer than others.

Are your docs certain you are not experiencing some hemolysis? Cyclosporin and tacrolimus can cause this, though it's rare. My son had that too. It's called Transplant Associated Microangiopathy (he was on Tacrolimus and switching him to MMF was the remedy).

[Lab2017]

Thank you. This gives me hope! What is MMF? I’d like to ask my doc about it. I’m glad your son is doing so well now. :)

[Lab2017]

Oh I failed to mention that is the exact switch I’m waiting for—O+ to A+

[lisa3112]

I am 2 years post transplant! My donors blood type is A+ and I am O+.... still O+ now! I am really well (touch wood) and my heamatologist said it is rare, but not much to be done really. I have 100% Chimarism too.
I dont understand how I am complete donor, but I'm producing O+ blood.
Anyway good to know I'm not alone.

[Lab2017]

Glad to here I’m not alone either lisa3112. Also glad to hear you are doing well. Take good care.