Korean J Perinatol.  2012 Mar;23(1):5-8.

A Case of Hemolytic Disease of Newborn due to Anti-JKa

• So CH
• Yoon SH
• Kim DS
• Yu ST
• Oh YK

Abstract

The Kidd system of blood group is clinically significant since the anti-Kidd antibody can cause immediate or delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions as well as hemolytic disease of newborn (HDN). In contrast to the hemolytic activity of Kidd antibodies in incompatible transfusion, the severity of HDN varies but usually tends to be a benign clinical course with favorable outcomes. And severe HDN due to anti-JKa incompatibility is a rare, which is still not reported in Korea. We experienced a newborn with severe jaundice to be detected within 24 hours from birth due to anti-JKa incompatibility. The laboratory data on admission indicated hemoglobin 13.2 g/dL, reticulocyte 4.08%, total bilirubin 18.7 mg/dL, and direct and indirect antiglobulin tests were positive (2+/2+). But, there are no ABO and Rh (D) incompatibilities between the mother and newborn. Maternal serum was found to contain an antibody that recognized JKa , and also seen in neonate. This patient completely recovered with intensive phototherapy without exchange transfusion. We report this case with a brief review of relevant literature.

Keyword

Anti-JKa; Hemolytic disease of newborn

MeSH Terms

Antibodies
Bilirubin
Blood Group Incompatibility
Coombs Test
Erythroblastosis, Fetal
Hemoglobins
Humans
Infant, Newborn
Jaundice
Korea
Mothers
Parturition
Phototherapy
Reticulocytes
Antibodies
Bilirubin
Hemoglobins