The incidence and outcome of clinically significant antibodies detected in Rhesus-D positive pregnant women of the Northern Territory.

BACKGROUND: Haemolytic disease of the fetus/newborn secondary to clinically significant non-Rhesus-D antibodies has risen in importance since the advent of immunoprophylactic anti-D administration to Rhesus-D negative women. Of interest is the incidence of these antibodies in Rhesus-D positive women, who receive less frequent antenatal alloantibody screening. This is of particular concern if the antibodies arise late in pregnancy and may go undetected. AIMS: To assess the proportion of Rhesus-D positive pregnant women with late developing clinically significant antibodies for haemolytic disease of the fetus/newborn, and whether these resulted in adverse fetal outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis over a 12-month period at a tertiary hospital in the Northern Territory. Group and antibody screen results in addition to clinical data regarding pregnancy/newborn were collected. RESULTS: Sixty-four of 2612 women (2.5%) had red blood cell antibodies detected during their pregnancy. Of these, 21 clinically significant antibodies were detected in 19 women (0.7% of initial cohort). The most common antibody detected was anti-c (28.5%). In six of these women (0.23% of initial cohort), the antibodies were late developing. Mild jaundice was noted in three newborns with phototherapy required in one. CONCLUSIONS: Although clinically significant antibodies were detected during pregnancy, and in a small proportion of cases as a late developing antibody undetected in the first trimester screening, clinical outcomes for the newborn were mild. As such, the cost of retesting all Rhesus-D positive pregnant women in the third trimester would be considerable and unlikely to result in any meaningful clinical benefit.

An Unusual Case of Hemolytic Disease of Newborn Due to ABO and Rh Isoimmunization.

Anti-D is the most common cause of hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) in the developing countries even after the introduction of anti-D immunoprophylaxis. Still, ABO incompatibility and other alloantibodies against minor blood group antigens have emerged as significant causes of HDN. Moreover, ABO incompatibility acts as a protective barrier to the expression of Rh isoimmunization. Here we are presenting a case of HDN where both Rh and ABO incompatibility co-existed with their manifestations in a B positive neonate born to an O positive mother. Use of appropriate elution technique can aid in the diagnosis of such cases. Hence, antenatal screening of all mothers irrespective of their Rh D status can help in early diagnosis and proper management that can decrease the neonatal morbidity and mortality.

Rh Alloimmunisation: Current Updates in Antenatal and Postnatal Management.

In spite of advances in medical science, Rh alloimmunisation remains one of the leading causes of preventable neuro-morbidities and significant neonatal hyperbilirubinemia in lower-middle income countries. Despite availability of effective antenatal preventive strategy (Anti-D), its uptake in antenatal period is low due to ignorance. Further, once diagnosed, there is lack of adequate antenatal follow up in health care facility. Some of these cases even remain undiagnosed in antenatal period only to present as a case of severe hyperbilirubinemia and kernicterus in late neonatal period. Thus, there is an urgent need for creating awareness and educating health care professionals for early detection and timely management in both antenatal and postnatal period. Following two doses of anti-D prophylaxis (one in antenatal period and one in immediate postnatal period) the incidence of Rh alloimmunisation can reduce to <1%. It is recommended to follow all Rh alloimmunised pregnancies antenatally with serial indirect Coombs test titre (till critical titre is reached) followed by serial Doppler velocimetry of middle cerebral artery in a perinatal centre where facility for intrauterine transfusion as well as advanced neonatal care is available. Postnatal management of these infants comprises of confirmation of diagnosis, aggressive phototherapy and in selective cases, double volume exchange transfusion. With appropriate antenatal and postnatal management, the prognosis of Rh alloimmunised pregnancy remains favourable and long term outcome of Rh alloimmunised infants remain comparable with their normal counterparts.

Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia secondary to combined anti e and anti C isoimmunisation: a literature review.

A term male infant was admitted at 48 h of postnatal life to the neonatal unit for jaundice. The investigation showed total serum bilirubin (TSB) of 17.1 mg/dl, haemoglobin of 11 g/dl, reticulocyte count of 9.5% and peripheral smear was suggestive of macrocytic, normochromic red blood cell (RBC) with target cells and multiple spherocytes with occasional nucleated RBC. The infant's blood group was B positive. Direct antiglobulin test was strongly positive by gel method (3+). Mother's blood group was B positive and indirect antiglobulin test was positive when tested postnatally. Extended minor blood grouping and cross matching showed this as a case of combined anti e and anti C antibodies isoimmunisation. Infant was treated with phototherapy for 72 h and was shifted to mother side. Infant was serially monitored with TSB level every sixth hourly and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) phototherapy charts were followed to see for rebound hyperbilirubinemia. The neonate was discharged and there was no readmission for hyperbilirubinemia. It is very rare and we report the third case of its type till date.

Management of Rh-isoimmunised Pregnancies : Our Experience.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the role of middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity (MCA-PSV), as measured by doppler ultrasound, in detecting foetal anaemia in Rh- isoimmunised pregnancies. Intra-uterine foetal blood transfusion was performed in such anaemic foetuses to tide over the crisis of foetal immaturity till considered fit for extra-uterine survival. METHODS: Rh-isoimmunised pregnancies reporting to a tertiary institute from 2003 to 2005, were screened by doppler ultrasound to estimate MCA-PSV to detect foetal anaemia. If the foetus developed MCA-PSV of more than 1.5 multiple of median (MoM) for the gestational age, foetal blood sampling through cordocentesis was performed to confirm foetal anaemia, followed by intrauterine foetal blood transfusion to all anaemic foetuses at the same sitting. Neonatal outcome was evaluated by recording gestational age at the time of delivery, duration of gestational time gained and need for blood transfusion in the neonatal period. RESULTS: A total of thirteen isoimmunised pregnancies were evaluated. Three pregnancies did not require in-utero foetal blood transfusion. Twenty-one intrauterine foetal blood transfusions were performed in the remaining ten patients. Five received blood transfusion in the neonatal period. Intra uterine foetal death occurred in one grossly hydropic foetus and favourable neonatal outcome was recorded in the rest. CONCLUSION: The clinical outcome of these pregnancies justifies the use of doppler studies of MCA-PSV in detecting foetal anaemia and intra uterine foetal blood transfusion is the only hope of prolonging pregnancy and salvaging such foetuses.

Evaluation of Neonatal Hemolytic Jaundice: Clinical and Laboratory Parameters.

BACKGROUND: Neonatal jaundice that occurs in ABO or Rhesus issoimunisation has been recognized as one of the major risk factors for development of severe hyperbilirubinemia and bilirubin neurotoxicity. AIM: Aim of our study was to investigate clinical and laboratory parameters associated with hemolytic jaundice due to Rh and ABO incompatibility and compare results with the group of unspecific jaundice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred sixty seven (167) neonatal hyperbilirubinemia cases were included in the study, 24.6% of which presented with ABO/Rhesus type hemolytic jaundice, and the rest with unspecific jaundice. Evaluation included: blood count, reticulocites, serum bilirubin, aminotransferases, blood grouping, and Coombs test, also the day of bilirubin peak, duration of the hyperbilirubinemia, and additional bilirubin measurements. RESULTS: We showed significantly lower mean values of hemoglobin, erythrocytes and hematocrit and significantly higher values of reticulocytes in the group of ABO/Rh incompatibility compared to the group of jaundice of unspecific etiology; also an earlier presentation and a higher-grade jaundice in this group. CONCLUSIONS: The laboratory profile in ABO/Rh isoimmunisation cases depicts hemolytic mechanism of jaundice. These cases carry a significant risk for early and severe hyperbilirubinemia and are eligible for neurodevelopmental follow-up. Hematological parameters and blood grouping are simple diagnostic methods that assist the etiological diagnosis of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.

Determining the volume of blood required for the correction of foetal anaemia by intrauterine transfusion during pregnancies of Rh isoimmunised women.

BACKGROUND: Severe anaemic foetuses of Rhesus (Rh) isoimmunised mothers are usually treated by intrauterine transfusion (IUT). It is helpful to determine the volume of blood necessary to raise the concentration of haemoglobin by 1.0 g/dL in response to intrauterine transfusions. METHODS: In this cross-sectional, observational study we evaluated 107 first IUT for the correction of anaemia caused by haemolysis triggered by maternal Rh immunisation. The concentration of foetal haemoglobin was determined in umbilical cord blood before and after the IUT. The variation in foetal concentration of haemoglobin after transfusion was compared between groups of hydropic and non-hydropic foetuses, between groups of foetuses with different degrees of anaemia and with groups of gestational age less than or more than 28 weeks. The t-test for averages and ANOVA were used to compare average differences among the groups. p values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Fifty-five (61.4%) foetuses were found to be anaemic while hydrops was observed in 40 (44%) at the time of the IUT. The volume of red blood cell concentrate infused varied from 5 to 90 mL, with 11.2±1.5 mL being necessary to raise the circulating concentration of haemoglobin by 1.0 g/dL. The foetal response was not influenced significantly by either the degree of foetal anaemia (p=0.56) or the presence of hydrops (p=0.17). The foetuses with a gestational age of 28 weeks or less required a smaller volume of red blood cell concentrate than those with a gestational age of more than 28 weeks (9.3±5.4 mL and 13.4±4.8 mL, respectively; p<0.0001) in order to raise their concentration of circulating haemoglobin by 1.0 g/dL. CONCLUSION: The volume of red blood cell concentrate necessary to correct anaemia in pregnancies complicated by Rh isoimmunisation must be considered carefully, since the response to the infusion of blood is peculiar in extremely premature infants. Hydrops and the degree of anaemia were not determinants of the change in the final concentration of circulating haemoglobin following the blood transfusion.

Nivel de conocimientos de los obstetras acerca del diagnóstico y tratamiento de la isoinmunización materna: Estudio de corte transversal en Bogotá (Colombia), 2012-2013 / Level of knowledge among obstetricians regarding diagnosis and treatment of maternal isoimmunization: Cross-sectional study in Bogotá (Colombia), 2012-2013

Objetivo: describir el nivel de conocimientos acerca del diagnóstico, tratamiento y pronóstico de la isoinmunización materna entre los especialistas de Ginecología y Obstetricia afiliados a la Asociación Bogotana de Perinatología (ABP). Materiales y métodos: estudio descriptivo de corte transversal. Entre noviembre de 2012 y marzo de 2013, se aplicó una encuesta elaborada por especialistas en Medicina Materno-Fetal (MMF). Se excluyeron los profesionales que ejercen su actividad fuera del territorio nacional, aquellos que no han practicado la obstetricia durante los últimos diez años y a quienes no suministraron la totalidad de la información requerida. El instrumento estuvo compuesto por 18 preguntas organizadas en tres dominios: características sociodemográficas, información sobre la práctica clínica y conocimientos. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva para el análisis en la materia. Resultados: el instrumento se aplicó a 220 profesionales de los cuales 127 (57,7 %) respondieron la encuesta en su totalidad y fueron incluidos en el análisis. El 32 % de los obstetras y el 45 % de los especialistas en MMF identificaron correctamente el punto de corte para el coombs indirecto. El 43 y 62 % de los obstetras y especialistas en MMF reconocieron el papel de la velocimetría de la arteria cerebral media para el diagnóstico de anemia fetal, y el 82 y 76 % respectivamente la utilizarían en el seguimiento del feto anémico. Tan solo el 76 % de los obstetras y el 66 % de los especialistas en MMF reconocen las indicaciones de culminar la gestación en caso de anemia fetal, en tanto que el 90 y 97 % (respectivamente) identificaron cuándo realizar cordocentesis y transfusión in utero. Finalmente, el 37 % de los obstetras y el 48 % de los especialistas en MMF no reconocen a la curva de Queenan-Liley como una alternativa cuando no hay acceso al Doppler fetal. Conclusión: existe una importante variabilidad con respecto al nivel de conocimientos de los obstetras y especialistas en MMF en cuanto al diagnóstico, tratamiento y seguimiento de las gestantes con isoinmunización. Se requieren más estudios que caractericen la variabilidad en la práctica clínica acerca del diagnóstico y tratamiento de la isoinmunización materna en Colombia.

Objective: To describe the level of knowledge regarding the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of maternal isoimmunisation among Gynaecology and Obstetrics specialists, members of ABP (Asociación Bogotana de Perinatología). Materials and methods: Cross-sectional descriptive study. A questionnaire prepared by specialists in Maternal and Foetal Medicine (MFM) was administered between November 2012 and March 2013. Professionals practicing outside the national territory, those who had not practiced over the past ten years, and those who did not provide all the information required were excluded. The tool consisted of 18 questions organized in three domains: socio-demographic characteristics, information about clinical practice, and knowledge of the subject. A descriptive statistical analysis was used. Results: Of the 220 practitioners who were given the questionnaire, 127 (57.7%) completed the survey and were included in the analysis. The cut-off point for the indirect Coombs was correctly identified by 32% of the obstetricians and by 45% of the specialists in MFM. The role of middle cerebral artery velocimetry for the diagnosis of foetal anaemia was recognized by 43% and 62% of obstetricians and specialists in MFM, and 82% and 76%, respectively, would use it for the follow-up of foetuses with anaemia. Only 76% of obstetricians and 66% of MFM specialists recognized the indications for delivering the baby in cases of foetal anaemia, whereas 90% and 97%, respectively, identified the timing for cordocentesis and in utero transfusion. Finally, 37% of obstetricians and 48% of MFM specialists did not recognize the Queenan-Liley curve as an option in cases where there is no access to foetal Doppler. Conclusion: There is an important variability in the level of knowledge among obstetricians and MFM specialists regarding the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of pregnant women with isoimmunisation. Additional studies are required to characterize the variability in clinical practice regarding the diagnosis and treatment of maternal isoimmunisation in Colombia.

Resultados perinatales en gestaciones isoinmunizadas por el anticuerpo anti-rh(d), sometidas a transfusión fetal intrauterina en Rio de Janeiro, Brasil: Una serie de casos entre 1996 y 2006 / Resultados perinatais em gestações aloimunizadas pelo anticorpo anti-Rh(D) e submetidas à transfusão intra-uterina no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil: Uma série de casos entre 1996 e 2006 / Perinatal results in Rh(D) alloimmunised pregnancies submitted to intrauterine foetal transfusion in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: A case series from 1996 to 2006

Objetivo: evaluar los resultados perinatales de las pacientes isoinmunizadas sometidas a transfusión fetal intrauterina en el Instituto Fernandes Figueira (Río de Janeiro, Brasil). Materiales y métodos: estudio descriptivo retrospectivo, que incluyó a mujeres que requirieron transfusión fetal intrauterina entre 1996 y 2006. Se analizaron la historia perinatal, los datos de la asistencia prenatal durante la gestación actual y los resultados perinatales. Resultados: a un total de 85 madres isoinmunizadas, 90 gestaciones y 94 fetos (4 gestaciones gemelares) se les hicieron 316 transfusiones intrauterinas. Todas las 90 gestaciones exhibían anticuerpos anti-Rh(D). Doce fetos (12,8) demostraban hidropesía en la primera transfusión y cinco (5,3%) tenían ascitis. Ocurrieron diez óbitos perinatales (4 óbitos fetales y 6 óbitos neonatales), totalizando una sobrevida de 89,4%. Fetos sin hidropesía tuvieron una sobrevida de 92,2% y fetos que presentaron hidropesía tuvieron un peor pronóstico, con sobrevida de 76,5%. Conclusiones: los resultados descritos confirman la eficacia y seguridad de la transfusión fetal intrauterina para el tratamiento de la anemia hemolítica inmune, realizada en centros de referencia para enfermedades perinatales.

Objective: evaluating the perinatal results of isoimmunised pregnancies submitted to intrauterine foetal transfusion at the Fernandes Figueira Institute (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). Patients and methods: this was a retrospective descriptive review of the charts of isoimmunised pregnant women submitted to intrauterine foetal transfusion from 1996 to 2006. Perinatal history, antenatal assistance at the index pregnancy and perinatal outcomes were assessed. Results: 316 intra-uterine transfusions were given to 85 pregnant women (to correct foetal anaemia), 90 pregnancies and 94 foetuses(4 twin pregnancies). All 90 pregnancies had the anti-Rh(D) antibody. Twelve foetuses (12.8%) were hydropic at the first intrauterine transfusion and 5 (5.3% percent) presented ascitis. Survival rate was 89.4%, with 4 foetal deaths and 6 neonatal deaths. However, perinatal survival was 92.2% for non-hydropic foetuses and 76.5% for hydropic ones. Conclusions: these results confirmed the safety and efficacy of intrauterine transfusion when treating immune haemolytic anaemia if these procedures are performed in reference units for perinatal assistance when high-risk conditions are involved.

Objetivo: avaliar os resultados perinatais de gestantes isoimunizadas submetidas à transfusão intra-uterina no Instituto Fernandes Figueira (Rio de Janeiro, Brasil). Material e métodos: estudodescritivo,retrospectivo,oqualincluiugestantessubmetidasàtransfusão intra-uterina para correção da anemia hemolítica fetal entre 1996 e 2006. Foi analisado o histórico perinatal, os dados referentes à assistência pré-natal durante a gestação e os resultados perinatais. Resultados: 85 mulheres foram submetidas à transfusão intra-uterina, totalizando 90 gestações, 94 fetos (4 gestações gemelares) e 316 transfusões. Todas as gestantes tinham anticorpos anti-Rh(D). Doze fetos (12,8%) estavam hidrópicos quando da primeira transfusão e 5 (5,3%) tinham ascite isolada. Houve dez óbitos perinatais (4 óbitos fetais e 6 neomortos), totalizando uma sobrevida de 89,4%. Fetos sem hidropisia tiveram sobrevida de 92,2%, porémfetoshidrópicosapresentaramumpiorprognóstico, com sobrevida de 76,5%. Conclusões: os resultados descritos confirmam a eficácia e a segurança da transfusão intra-uterina para o tratamento da anemia hemolítica fetal quando realizadas em uma unidade de referência para a assistência perinatal.

Resultados perinatales en gestaciones isoinmunizadas por el anticuerpo anti-Rh (D), sometidas a transfusión fetal intrauterina en Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Una serie de casos entre 1996 y 2006 / Resultados perinatais em gestações aloimunizadas pelo anticorpo anti-Rh (D) e submetidas à transfusão intra-uterina no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Uma série de casos entre 1996 e 2006

Objetivo: avaliar os resultados perinatais de gestantes isoimunizadas submetidas à transfusão intra-uterina no Instituto Fernandes Figueira (Rio de Janeiro, Brasil). Material e métodos: estudo descritivo, retrospectivo, o qual incluiu gestantes submetidas à transfusão intra-uterina para correção da anemia hemolítica fetal entre 1996 e 2006. Foi analisado o histórico perinatal, os dados referentes à assistência pré-natal durante a gestação e os resultados perinatais. Resultados: 85 mulheres foram submetidas à transfusão intra-uterina, totalizando 90 gestações, 94 fetos (4 gestações gemelares) e 316 transfusões. Todas as gestantes tinham anticorpos anti-Rh(D). Doze fetos (12,8%) estavam hidrópicos quando da primeira transfusão e 5 (5,3%) tinham ascite isolada. Houve dez óbitos perinatais (4 óbitos fetais e 6 neomortos), totalizando uma sobrevida de 89,4%. Fetos sem hidropisia tiveram sobrevida de 92,2%, porém fetos hidrópicos apresentaram um pior prognóstico, com sobrevida de 76,5%. Conclusões: os resultados descritos confirmam a eficácia e a segurança da transfusão intra-uterina para o tratamento da anemia hemolítica fetal quando realizadas em uma unidade de referência para a assistência perinatal.