Successful treatment of extremely severe fetal anemia due to Kell alloimmunization.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Repeated plasmapheresis was used to prevent fetal death from severe anti-Kell alloimmunization until intrauterine transfusions were feasible.

CASE:

Repeated maternal plasma exchanges (N = 40) beginning at 7 weeks' gestation were used to treat severe anti-Kell alloimmunization. Ultrasound examination at 19 weeks' gestation revealed diffuse hydrops in this fetus (umbilical venous hemoglobin, 1.2 g/dL), which then required nine intrauterine transfusions through 34 weeks. A healthy 3840-g girl was delivered by cesarean delivery at 36 weeks. Despite aplastic anemia during the first 3 months of life, she is healthy and has no observable abnormalities at age 8.

CONCLUSION:

A highly aggressive course of plasmapheresis and intrauterine transfusions can successfully treat fetal anemia caused by anti-Kell alloimmunization even when fetal hemoglobin is extremely low.

• Authors: P Collinet, D Subtil, F Puech, P Vaast
• Journal: Obstetrics and gynecology (Obstet Gynecol) Vol. 100 Issue 5 Pt 2 Pg. 1102-5 (Nov 2002) ISSN: 0029-7844 [Print] United States
• PMID: 12423822 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Kell Blood-Group System

Topics

• Adult
• Blood Transfusion, Intrauterine
• Erythroblastosis, Fetal (therapy)
• Female
• Humans
• Infant, Newborn
• Kell Blood-Group System
• Plasmapheresis
• Pregnancy