Successful use of maternal blood in the management of severe hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn due to anti-Kp(b).
BACKGROUND
The incidence of hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) has decreased since the introduction of Rh immunoglobulin prophylaxis in Rh(D)-negative pregnant women. Thus, the relative incidence of rare alloantibody-related HDFN has increased. The lack of available maternally matched red blood cells for transfusion in these cases may create management difficulties.


METHODS
We report a case of anti-Kp(b) HDFN. Severe fetal anemia required intrauterine transfusion. Difficulty in obtaining Kp(b)-negative blood necessitated using the mother's donated RBCs.


CONCLUSIONS
Severe HDFN with rare antibodies can be managed successfully using maternal blood.
Department of Pathology, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, and University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States.
Michelle J
MJ
Bleile
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, and University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States.
Asha
A
Rijhsinghani
Department of Pathology, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, and University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States.
Denis M
DM
Dwyre
Department of Pathology, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, and University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States. Electronic address: thomas-raife@uiowa.edu.
Thomas J
TJ
Raife
D001805:Blood Transfusion, Intrauterine / Q000379:methods*; D019468:Disease Management; D004899:Erythroblastosis, Fetal / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007518:Isoantibodies / Q000097:blood*; D009035:Mothers
D007518:Isoantibodies