HDFN Flashcards
Destruction of RBCs of the fetus by antibodies produced by the mother
Hemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn (HDFN)
What class of Ig is actively transported across the placenta?
IgG
How much blood is needed to immunize the mom?
1 ml (20 drops)
What is the factor that affects immunization and severity?
Fetomaternal hemorrhage during pregnancy
What occurs during fetomaternal hemorrhage during pregnancy?
Significant increases in maternal antibody titers leading to increased severity of HDFN
What method is used to determine fetal hemoglobin?
Acid-elution
What increases the risk of fetomaternal hemorrhage?
Amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling, and trauma to the abdomen
When does active transport of IgG begin?
Second trimester and continues until birth
Which immunogen is the most antigenic?
D
What are other potent Rh immunogens of HDFN?
C, c, E
What is the most clinically significant non-Rh antibody able to cause HDFN?
Anti-K
Do you still work up Anti-Lewis for HDFN?
Yes
What are the common antibodies identified in prenatal specimens that cause HDFN?
Rh series and Kell
What the rare antibodies identified in prenatal specimens that cause HDFN?
Anti-Fya, Anti-Jka, Anti-MNSs
What antibodies never cause HDFN?
Anti-Lewis, I, IH, P1
What happens during hemolysis in HDFN?
Maternal IgG attaches to specific antigens of fetal RBCs –> the antibody coated cells are removed by macrophages of the spleen
What is the rate of destruction of fetal RBCs when the maternal IgG attaches?
Depends on antibody titer and specificity
What happens during RBC destruction?
Release of hemoglobin, which metabolizes bilirubin
What is done during the first prenatal visit (1st trimester)?
Type and screen (including weak D)
What must be able to be detected during type and screen?
Clinically significant IgG alloantibodies reactive at 37C and in antiglobulin phase
What happens if the screen is negative during the 1st prenatal type and screen?
Repeat testing prior to RhIg therapy (28 weeks/3rd trimester)
What happens if the screen is positive during the 1st prenatal type and screen?
Antibody must be identified
- can ignore IgM antibodies
What happens when the screen was initially negative but now positive during the/after the 28-week mark?
Reactive anti-D due to RhIg immunization
What should the father be tested for?
Presence of D antigen