Hemolytic Disease of Fetus and Newborn in a Primigravida with Multiple Alloantibodies Involving Anti-Jka and Anti-E: A Case Report

Abstract

The majority of hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) reported in the literature is due to ABO and rhesus incompatibility. However, there are also other minor blood groups that have been identified as a cause of HDFN, although the occurrence is much rarer. The antibody screening program for D negative mother and the anti-D immunoglobulin treatment showed a significant reduction of the occurrence of HDFN secondary to anti-D. In a developed country, the screening for red blood cell antibody in the pregnant mother other than anti-D reduced the possibility of HDFN occurrence hence reduced the fetal morbidity and subsequently increased the fetal well being during pregnancy and after the postnatal period. In this case report, we discuss HDFN in a primigravida patient secondary to multiple alloantibodies (anti-Jka and anti-E). The baby developed jaundice with bilirubin levels approaching the exchange transfusion level. However, with extensive phototherapy and immunoglobulin treatment, the child did not require exchange transfusion. We also included the importance of the routine antenatal antibody screening program. This practice will help the transfusion center to find the antigen negative blood in a timely manner and reduce the morbidities and mortalities of HDFN among the newborns.

Keywords

• hemolytic disease of newborn
• infant
• newborn
• rho(d) antibody
• blood group antigens
• phototherapy