Prevalence of alloantibodies among antenatal women attending a teaching hospital in central Kerala.

INTRODUCTION

Rh immunoprophylaxis has helped to decrease the prevalence of Rh D associated Haemolytic disease of New-born and Foetus. 50 different RBC antigens have been reported to be associated with HDFN. The current incidence of alloimmunization due to non-RhD antibodies in Western countries is 0.28-0.33%. A study on 707 neonates showed antigen-positivity and evidence of HDFN in 37%, with the most severe with DAT-positive anti-Rh antibodies, C, D, e, E. Early detection, monitoring, and planned interventions would help to prevent severe HDFN.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

The Study included 370 pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic of our hospital and excluded those with a history of transfusion, haemolytic disease, intrauterine bleeding or intrauterine death. Irregular antibodies were checked by the Indirect Coombs Test (ICT) using ID Diacell I-II-III, Diamed, Switzerland. Specific antibody identification was performed using ID Diapanel, Diamed, Switzerland.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Statistical analysis was done using IBM SPSS Statistics 20.0. Pearson's Chi-square test was applied. Odds ratio and their 95% CI were calculated.

RESULTS

Red cell antibody screening was positive in 3.5% (13). Antibodies identified as anti-D (30.8%), anti-c (15.4%), anti-C + D (15.4%), anti-K (15.4%), anti-Le b + Jka (7.7%), anti-E (7.7%), and anti-c + Jka (7.7%).

CONCLUSION

The maternal alloimmunization prevalence was 3.5%. The potential for severe HDFN associated with antibodies such as anti-K, anti-E, and anti-c necessitates vigilant monitoring at the primary care level.