A Prospective one year Study of Frequency of Rh and Irregular Antibodies among Pregnant Women and Its Implications

Dr. E. Sabari Priya

Volume : VIII, Issue : XI, November - 2018

A Prospective one year Study of Frequency of Rh and Irregular Antibodies among Pregnant Women and Its Implications

Dr. E. Sabari Priya

Abstract :

Background Maternal alloimmunization is triggered by previous incompatible transfusion or fetomaternal haemorrhage. In view of role played by antibodies other than anti–D in development of HDFN (Haemolytic disease of Newborn), it is necessary to screen all antenatal mothers for significant alloantibodies. This prospective study was conducted for 1 year among antenatal mothers.

Methods Antibody screening was performed among antenatal mothers by Column Agglutination Technology, those mothers in whom antibody was positive were further subjected to antibody identification and followed by estimation of antibody titre

Results Prevalence of red cell antibodies among antenatal mothers was 0.8%. Anti–D was the most common antibody (50%) identified. Percentage of antibody positive in Rh negative mothers were significantly higher (p<0.05) compared to Rh positive mothers

Conclusion Anti–D is still the commonest antibody detected among antenatal mothers. The occurrence of other irregular antibodies is very low. The scarcity of resources makes universal screening of all antenatal mothers for irregular antibodies not cost effective.