Anti-E alloimmunization in a pregnancy with a low antibody titer

Red blood cell alloimmunization during pregnancy causes hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn. While alloimmunization in pregnancy is treatable with anti-D antibodies, management with other antibodies has not been studied. A 32-year-old woman had anti-E antibodies detected during pregnancy, but...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: K. Nakanishi, Y. Oishi, T. Miyamoto, E. Nakamura, K. Murakami, M. Ono, A. Nozawa, S. Kitamura, K. Sengoku
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: IMR Press 2020-08-01
Series:Clinical and Experimental Obstetrics & Gynecology
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.imrpress.com/journal/CEOG/47/4/10.31083/j.ceog.2020.04.4267
Description
Summary:Red blood cell alloimmunization during pregnancy causes hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn. While alloimmunization in pregnancy is treatable with anti-D antibodies, management with other antibodies has not been studied. A 32-year-old woman had anti-E antibodies detected during pregnancy, but the titer was < 1 : 2. Her newborn was admitted to hospital because direct Coombs tests were positive. Low titers of maternal anti-E antibodies were found in the newborn. We performed phototherapy and administered intravenous immunoglobulin because the newborn showed early jaundice and hyperkalemia, which suggested hemolytic disease. After being discharged at 6 days of age, the baby was readmitted to hospital at 9 days because of recurrent jaundice and underwent phototherapy. The baby was later discharged without recurrence of jaundice. Low anti-E antibody titers in pregnancy can cause alloimmunization, which can be treated successfully. The potential risk of hemolytic disease should be considered in cases with such low titers.
ISSN:0390-6663