A Matteocci1, A De Rosa1, E Buffone2, L Pierelli1,3. 1. Department of Transfusion Medicine and Stem Cell Unit, San Camillo Forlanini Hospital, Rome, Italy. 2. Department of Neonatology, San Camillo Forlanini Hospital, Rome, Italy. 3. Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To study the rate of ABO haemolytic anaemia of fetus and newborn (HDFN) in one institution over 6 years. BACKGROUND: ABO major incompatibility between mothers and their newborns occurs in about 10% of births. So, mothers with an O blood group may form IgG-class antibodies against A and B antigens, which could pass across the placenta and lead to a variable degree of HDFN in the newborn. METHODS: At our institution, we have reviewed data regarding ABO-based HDFN in the last 6 years. RESULTS: We found that, in 28 089 deliveries, an ABO major incompatibility between mothers and newborns occurs in 11% of cases, with 72% of O/A and 28% of O/B incompatibility. In turn, 23% of these newborns had an eluate-confirmed positive direct antiglobulin test [DAT; 74% (511) were due to anti-A and 26% (179) to anti-B], with 1·0% requiring invasive treatments (exchange transfusion or intravenous immunoglobulin). Overall, 2·5% of the total newborns had a positive DAT for an anti-A or anti-B antibody, and 0·11% required invasive treatment in addition to phototherapy for their HDFN. CONCLUSIONS: Serological ABO HDFN is a relatively frequent event when an O-A/O-B incompatibility between mothers and their newborn occurs and, in most cases, translates into a self-limiting disease, with a small number of newborns requiring invasive treatments. The DAT test, although not predictive of disease severity, appears to be a useful tool to monitor babies born from O-A/O-B-incompatible pregnancies and to identify those who may require treatment.
OBJECTIVES: To study the rate of ABOhaemolytic anaemia of fetus and newborn (HDFN) in one institution over 6 years. BACKGROUND:ABO major incompatibility between mothers and their newborns occurs in about 10% of births. So, mothers with an O blood group may form IgG-class antibodies against A and B antigens, which could pass across the placenta and lead to a variable degree of HDFN in the newborn. METHODS: At our institution, we have reviewed data regarding ABO-based HDFN in the last 6 years. RESULTS: We found that, in 28 089 deliveries, an ABO major incompatibility between mothers and newborns occurs in 11% of cases, with 72% of O/A and 28% of O/B incompatibility. In turn, 23% of these newborns had an eluate-confirmed positive direct antiglobulin test [DAT; 74% (511) were due to anti-A and 26% (179) to anti-B], with 1·0% requiring invasive treatments (exchange transfusion or intravenous immunoglobulin). Overall, 2·5% of the total newborns had a positive DAT for an anti-A or anti-B antibody, and 0·11% required invasive treatment in addition to phototherapy for their HDFN. CONCLUSIONS: Serological ABO HDFN is a relatively frequent event when an O-A/O-B incompatibility between mothers and their newborn occurs and, in most cases, translates into a self-limiting disease, with a small number of newborns requiring invasive treatments. The DAT test, although not predictive of disease severity, appears to be a useful tool to monitor babies born from O-A/O-B-incompatible pregnancies and to identify those who may require treatment.