The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist 2009;11:2:89-95
doi: 10.1576/toag.11.2.089.27481
Copyright © 2009 by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.
Diagnosis and management of non-anti-D red cell antibodies in pregnancy
Ketan Gajjar, MRCOG, Specialist Registrar1 and
Chris Spencer, MD FRCOG, Consultant Obstetrician/Gynaecologist2
1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St. John’s Hospital, Chelmsford, Essex, UK Email: gajjarkb{at}hotmail.com (corresponding author)
2. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St. John’s Hospital, Chelmsford, Essex, UK
Key content:
- 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.
Keywords amniocentesis / fetal blood sampling / fetal genotype / intrauterine infusion / middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity (MCA-PSV)
Copyright © 2009 by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.
