Premium
Development of Rh‐Specific Maternal Autoantibodies Following Intensive Plasmapheresis for Rh Immunisation during Pregnancy
Author(s) -
Isbister James P.,
Ting Amy,
Seeto Kit Ming
Publication year - 1977
Publication title -
vox sanguinis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.68
H-Index - 83
eISSN - 1423-0410
pISSN - 0042-9007
DOI - 10.1111/j.1423-0410.1977.tb02256.x
Subject(s) - plasmapheresis , medicine , pregnancy , rh blood group system , autoantibody , isoantibodies , obstetrics , rh isoimmunization , immunology , antibody , fetus , biology , genetics
. Two cases of autoantibody formation following large volume plasmapheresis for rhesus immunisation during pregnancy are described. In each case the autoantibody was directed against the Rh complex but showed a preference for G‐positive cells. It is postulated that repeated plasmapheresis in the presence of persistent antigenic stimulation has removed a feedback inhibition of the immune response. The specificity of the alloantibody has broadened resulting in cross‐reactivity against self‐antigens. The possible implications of these cases in relation to autoimmunity are discussed.