title: The pathobiology of red cell cryptantigen exposure.
abstract: This article has defined in part the circumstances in which red cell cryptantigen exposure occurs and its significance in children. Bacteria-induced cryptantigens (T and Tk) are the most commonly encountered and, when present, suggest a guarded prognosis, a complicated clinical course, and a need for care in transfusion management with particular attention to the avoidance of plasma-containing products. Nonbacterial-induced cryptantigens (Th and Tn) are much less commonly seen and are encountered as a complicating feature of a serious hematologic condition and may be a potential source of confusion in the neonate.
authors.affiliation: Children's Hospital Medical Center, Akron, Ohio 44308.
authors.forename: R W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Novak
mesh_terms: D000954:Antigens, Surface / Q000097:blood*; D002648:Child; D004761:Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D006463:Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D011008:Pneumococcal Infections / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D000954:Antigens, Surface