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Diagnosis and management of non‐anti‐D red cell antibodies in pregnancy
Author(s) -
Gajjar Ketan,
Spencer Chris
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
the obstetrician and gynaecologist
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1744-4667
pISSN - 1467-2561
DOI - 10.1576/toag.11.2.089.27481
Subject(s) - haemolysis , antibody , medicine , pregnancy , incidence (geometry) , obstetrics and gynaecology , obstetrics , red cell , red blood cell , fetus , haemolytic disease , immunology , pediatrics , biology , genetics , physics , optics
• Anti‐D prophylaxis has reduced the incidence of haemolytic disease of the newborn. • A variety of non‐anti‐D red cell antibodies can cause a degree of neonatal haemolysis. • The frequency of antibody testing should be individualised. • Management of non‐anti‐D alloimmunisation should be aimed at minimising perinatal morbidity.Learning objectives:• To understand the causes and risk factors for maternal non‐anti‐D antibodies. • To learn when to initiate invasive testing in the antenatal period. • To know when to deliver the baby to maximise perinatal outcome. • To learn about which antibodies can cause fetal hydrops and intrauterine haemolysis.Ethical issues:• When is it necessary to perform paternal blood tests to determine red cell antibody status? • When should the mother be delivered in cases where the red cell antibody detected has a weak association with neonatal haemolysis?Please cite this article as: Gajjar K, Spencer C. Diagnosis and management of non‐anti‐D red cell antibodies in pregnancy. The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist 2009;11:89–95.