title: Hydrops Fetalis due to Kell Alloimmunization: A Perinatal Approach to a Rare Case.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  While routine administration of rhesus (Rh) immunoglobulin has significantly reduced the incidence of Rh alloimmunization, maternal alloimmunization to other red cell antigens remains a contributor to perinatal morbidity and mortality. Although the Kell antigen is seen on the red cells of only 9% of the general population, attention to Kell antibodies continues to increase.
  
  
  METHODS
  A case of fetal hydrops was sonographically detected at 30 weeks of gestation. Antenatal tests to evaluate the fetus's condition clearly showed that the level of hemolytic disease was critical and the baby was delivered prematurely due to fetal distress. The combination of anemia, reticulocytopenia, hydrops fetalis, and a positive indirect Coombs test suggested Kell isoimmunization. The baby was successfully treated with exchange transfusion of Kellnegative packed red cells, and was discharged on postnatal d 30.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The presented case of hydrops fetalis was due Kell alloimmunization that was detected during the postnatal period, and thus we plan to discuss the perinatal approach to Kell immunization.
authors.affiliation: Zekai Tahir Burak Maternity and Teaching Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
authors.forename: Arzu
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Akdağ
authors.affiliation: Zekai Tahir Burak Maternity and Teaching Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
authors.forename: Omer
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Erdeve
authors.affiliation: Zekai Tahir Burak Maternity and Teaching Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
authors.forename: Nurdan
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Uraş
authors.affiliation: Zekai Tahir Burak Maternity and Teaching Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
authors.forename: Yavuz
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Simşek
authors.affiliation: Zekai Tahir Burak Maternity and Teaching Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
authors.forename: Uğur
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Dilmen
keywords: Anemia; Hydrops fetalis; Kell alloimmunization; newborn
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