Blood group chimerism in human multiple births is not rare

Am J Med Genet. 1996 Jan 22;61(3):264-8. doi: 10.1002/(SICI)1096-8628(19960122)61:3<264::AID-AJMG11>3.0.CO;2-R.

Abstract

Twin blood group chimerism seems to be very rare in humans. The 30-40 previously reported cases usually were found by mere coincidence during routine blood grouping in hospitals or blood banks. Usually in these cases frank blood group mixtures of, for example, 50/50%, 25/75%, or 5/95% at most were seen. Smaller percentages are very difficult to notice during routine work-up. Using a sensitive fluorescence technique (sensitivity > 0.01%) we detected blood group chimerism in 32/415 (8%) twin pairs and 12/57 (21%) triplet pairs, respectively, which is a higher incidence than reported previously.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Blood Group Antigens*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Chimera*
  • Female
  • Fetofetal Transfusion
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence
  • Pregnancy
  • Prospective Studies
  • Triplets*
  • Twins, Dizygotic

Substances

  • Blood Group Antigens