The Australian girl has changed blood type after liver transplant
9-years old Australian Demi-Lee Brennan has changed blood type after liver transplant taken from a male donor. Some months after the surgery physicians have found out discrepancy of results in blood tests of the patient: her Rhesus factor was changed from negative to positive. During physical examination it was found out that almost all leukocytes has a male genotype.
In opinion of doctors from the Sydney children’s hospital Westmid, it can be explained by action of stem blood cells, in a small amount containing in a donor liver, which have completely replaced own hemopoietic cells of a marrow. It is supposed, that this could be promoted by a virus infection, which has weakened own immunity of the girl right after the surgery.
In result together with a liver the girl has actually received immune system of the donor. It has completely relieved her of necessity to take toxic preparations – immunosuppressants for prevention of rejection. The patient, who is now 15 years old, lives without drugs for about 5 years.