Korean J Blood Transfus.  2023 Dec;34(3):182-188. 10.17945/kjbt.2023.34.3.182.

Comparison of Unexpected Antibody Frequency in Korea by Department: Focusing on Obstetrics and Infertility Centers

• Shin WY
• Kim HJ
• Paek J
• Shin JW

• KMID: 2549680
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.17945/kjbt.2023.34.3.182

Abstract

Background
Alloantibodies against red blood cells (RBC) found in pregnant women can cause hemolytic disease in the fetus and newborn (HDFN). Therefore, checking and carefully observing the mother’s unexpected alloantibodies is essential during pregnancy. This study examined the frequency of unexpected antibodies according to the department.
Methods
For patients who visited the authors’ hospital from December 31, 2020 to May 1, 2023 the results of RBC antibody screening and unexpected antibody identification tests were collected and classified according to the department. The antibody screening test was detected with Qwalys-3 DIAGAST, Loos Cedex, France) equipment using ABS HEMASCREEN (DIAGAST), and the antibody identification test was performed using the Resolve panel (Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, San Diego, USA). The difference in frequency of each antibody according to the patient group was tested using Pearson’s chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test according to the relative frequency.
Results
Among 46,193 patients who underwent unexpected antibody screening, 9,531 were obstetrics, and 18,313 were infertility centers. One hundred and seventy-seven patients underwent the unexpected antibody identification test: 57 obstetrics patients, 42 infertility center patients, and 78 positive patients who visited other departments. One hundred and ninety-three antibodies were identified, and there was no significant difference in the positive rate of unexpected antibodies by department. The antibody identified with the highest frequency was anti-M (18.1%) followed by anti-E (13.5%).
Conclusion
In the East Asian population, anti-M is frequently reported, causing clinical problems. Anti-M was also commonly observed in this study; so, the clinical features should be carefully observed if anti-M is identified.

Keyword

Antibody; Isoantibodies; Blood group antigens; Erythroblastosis; Pregnancy