Thomas N Trevett1, Kenneth J Moise. 1. Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7516, USA. ttrevett@carolinaultrasound.com
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn caused by anti-G antibodies is rare, and in most previously reported cases, leads to a mild anemia. The RhG antigen is usually found in association with both RhD and RhC. We report a case of a twin pregnancy affected by both anti-G and anti-C alloantibodies leading to severe hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn requiring multiple intrauterine transfusions and prolonged postnatal therapy. CASE: A patient with a prolonged history of previously affected pregnancies due to anti-D and anti-C was subsequently found to be affected with anti-G instead. She required aggressive therapy during her pregnancy, initially with intravenous immune globulin and plasmapheresis until umbilical blood sampling and intrauterine transfusions were feasible. CONCLUSION: Although hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn due to anti-G antibodies is rare and usually mild, these pregnancies should be followed up closely and in utero therapy should be offered if necessary.
BACKGROUND:Hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn caused by anti-G antibodies is rare, and in most previously reported cases, leads to a mild anemia. The RhG antigen is usually found in association with both RhD and RhC. We report a case of a twin pregnancy affected by both anti-G and anti-C alloantibodies leading to severe hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn requiring multiple intrauterine transfusions and prolonged postnatal therapy. CASE: A patient with a prolonged history of previously affected pregnancies due to anti-D and anti-C was subsequently found to be affected with anti-G instead. She required aggressive therapy during her pregnancy, initially with intravenous immune globulin and plasmapheresis until umbilical blood sampling and intrauterine transfusions were feasible. CONCLUSION: Although hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn due to anti-G antibodies is rare and usually mild, these pregnancies should be followed up closely and in utero therapy should be offered if necessary.