Fetal RhD genotyping: a more efficient use of anti-D immunoglobulin.
The most important application of blood group genotyping by molecular genetics is the prediction of fetal RhD phenotype in pregnant women with anti-D, in order to assess the risk of haemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn. This diagnostic test performed on cell-free fetal DNA in the maternal plasma, is now a routine procedure in some countries. High-throughput modifications of this form of fetal D-typing would be valuable for testing fetuses of all D-negative pregnant women to avoid unnecessary antenatal treatment with anti-D immunoglobulin in the 40% of D-negative pregnant women with a D-negative fetus. The results of trials in Bristol and Amsterdam suggest that such routine testing is feasible and accurate.
Daniels
G
G
Bristol Institute for Transfusion Sciences and International Blood Group Reference Laboratory, NHSBT, Southmead Road, Bristol, United Kingdom. geoff.daniels@nbs.nhs.uk
Finning
K
K
Martin
P
P
Summers
J
J
D005260:Female; D005312:Fetal Blood / Q000276:immunology*; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D007518:Isoantibodies / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis / Q000379:methods; D012203:Rh Isoimmunization / Q000628:therapy*; D012204:Rh-Hr Blood-Group System / Q000235:genetics; D018029:Rho(D) Immune Globulin / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D007518:Isoantibodies; C061961:RHO(D) antibody; D012204:Rh-Hr Blood-Group System; D018029:Rho(D) Immune Globulin