Clinical Significance of Rare Maternal Anti JkaAntibody.
We hereby report a rare case of HDFN because of antibody to Kidd (Jk) blood group system-anti Jka. An EDTA sample of a baby along with mother's sample was received in the Department for Direct Antiglobulin Test (DAT) alongwith blood requisition for double volume exchange transfusion. On blood grouping, baby's and mother's blood group was found to be B Rh D positive. DAT with polyspecific anti human globulin (AHG) was positive. Screening of mother's serum for irregular antibodies showed anti-Jkaantibody. AHG phase titers using tube technique were 1:64. Mother was found to be Jkaantigen negative; father and neonate were found to be Jkaantigenpositive. Antibody was observed to be of IgG type on Dithiothreitol treatment. Baby had total serum bilirubin of 20.5 mg/dl on day 3 of life and phototherapy was started. Exchange transfusion was not required in the baby. The present case emphasises the significance of minor blood group antigens other than Rh blood group system as a cause of HDFN. Although HDFN due to Jk antibodies is rare, however, the clinician must be aware of the occurrence of these antibodies as they can lead to severe HDFN and persistent anemia in the infant.
Department of Transfusion Medicine, Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh, India.
Kshitija
K
Mittal
Department of Transfusion Medicine, Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh, India.
Tanvi
T
Sood
Department of Transfusion Medicine, Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh, India.
Naveen
N
Bansal
Department of Transfusion Medicine, Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh, India.
Ravneet Kaur
RK
Bedi
Department of Transfusion Medicine, Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh, India.
Paramjit
P
Kaur
Department of Transfusion Medicine, Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh, India.
Gagandeep
G
Kaur
Exchange transfusion; Hemolytic disease of fetus and newborn; Kidd antibody; Total serum bilirubin