Prediction of the Outcome of Rhesus Haemolytic Disease of the Newborn: Additional Information Using an ADCC Assay

Abstract
An in vitro test system is described which measures the ability of anti-D sera to lyse Rh(D)-positive red cells. This test was applied to anti-D sera from 11 cases of HDN [rhesus hemolytic disease] and tested blind. The ADCC (antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxity) assay apparently can correctly identify those cases where there is a satisfactory clinical outcome despite a high level of anti-D suggesting otherwise. Amniocentesis might therefore be avoided in this group.