Korean J Blood Transfus.  1995 Jun;6(1):9-20.

Clinical & Hematologic Observation of Neonatal Hemolytic Disease due to Minor Blood Group Isoimmunization

• Kim WT

Abstract

The isoimmune hemolytic disease of newborn due to the minor blood groups is characterized by the progressive neonatal hyperbilirubinemia and anemia. This is caused by the lgG antibody transmitted from the mother to the fetus across the placenta. ABO and Rho(D) incompatability have been the most common antibody responsible for hemolytic disease of newborn. But recently the incidence of the Rho(D) incompatability is decreased due to the prophylaxis of anti-D immunoglobulin for the Rh negative mother and that of the incompataibility of minor blood group seems to be increased. This report presents the clinical and hematologic features of four cases of hemolytic diseases of newborn due to minor blood group isoimmunization who were admitted to the Dong-guk University Kyung-ju Hospital. The following results were obtained; 1) Neontal hyperbilirubinemia was observed within 48 hours after birth in all cases of patients and disappeared with the treatment of exchange transfusion and phototherapy. 2) Total bilirubin levels were 6.7-24.8 mg/dl. 3) Direct Coombs' test was positive in all cases of patients and indirect Coombs' test was positive except case 3. Direct Coombs' test was negative and indirect Coombs' test was positive in all mothers. 4) There was no evidence of ABO or Rh(D) incompatibility in all cases of patients. Case 1, 2 and 4 had the hemolytic diseases of newborn due to anti-E isoimmunization anti-E, but case 3 had the hemolytic diseases of newborn due to anti-C isoimmunization. 5) According to the reports which was published to date, 23 cases of the hemolytic diseases of newborn due to minor blood group isoimmunization were revealed; 14 anti-E, 4 anti-c, 1 anthE or c, 1 anti-C, 1 anti-e, 1 anti-M, and 1 anti-Kidd. Therefore we can easily conclude that anti-E is the most common cause of hemolytic diseases of newborn due to minor blood group isoimmunization in Korea. So, we report this case with the brief review of relevant literatures.

MeSH Terms

Anemia
Bilirubin
Blood Group Antigens
Coombs Test
Erythroblastosis, Fetal
Fetus
Gyeongsangbuk-do
Humans
Hyperbilirubinemia
Hyperbilirubinemia, Neonatal
Immunoglobulins
Incidence
Infant, Newborn
Korea
Mothers
Parturition
Phototherapy
Placenta
Bilirubin
Blood Group Antigens
Immunoglobulins