New Cases of Irregular Blood Group Antibodies Other Than Anti‐D in Pregnancy

Abstract

The frequency of irregular blood group antibodies detected for the 1st time in pregnant women during the period of 1975-80 was examined. Whereas Rh(D)-negative gravidae in Norway are examined immuno-hematologically 3 times during pregnancy, Rh(D)-positive women are tested once only, usually early in pregnancy. About 1/3 of the new cases of immunization within the Rh system were found in the Rh-positive women. In the latter, anti-E and anti-C were the Rh antibodies most frequently encountered. Among other irregular antibodies which can cause hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN), those of the Kell and Duffy system are the ones second in frequency and clinical significance to the Rh antibodies. About 40% of the new cases of immunization within the Rh, Kell and Duffy systems were found in Rh-positive women. This proportion would undoubtedly have been greater if also the Rh-positive women had been retested for the presence of irregular blood group antibodies towards the end of the gestation. Such a retesting of Rh-positve gravidae is desirable both for a better prediction and early diagnosis of HDN and to facilitate the procurement of compatible blood if the woman shold need an emergency blood transfusion.