Abstract | BACKGROUND: Although Jr(a) hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) is generally considered to be mild, we encountered a case of anti-Jr(a) alloimmunization hydrops fetalis due to extremely severe fetal anemia that required aggressive intrauterine treatment. CASE REPORT: A Japanese woman developed hydrops fetalis at the 29th week of gestation. Blood examination was highly positive for anti-Jr(a) antibodies. Cordocentesis demonstrated that the fetus had anti-Jr(a) antibodies and the lowest fetal hemoglobin concentration was 2.3 g/dl. After a total of four intravascular transfusions, fetal hydrops improved and a healthy girl of 2,120 g was delivered at the 35th week of gestation. The initial neonatal hemoglobin concentration at birth was 7.2 g/dl. After two straight transfusions, the infant's anemia did not worsen. Anti-Jr(a) antibodies became negative without developing hyperbilirubinemia. CONCLUSION: The incidence of Jr(a) negativity can lead to underestimation of the risk of Jr(a) alloimmunization. This case shows that anti-Jr(a) alloimmunization may cause HDN and hydrops fetalis.
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Authors | Yuki Ishihara, Shigeki Miyata, Yoshihide Chiba, Takeshi Kawai |
Journal | Fetal diagnosis and therapy
(Fetal Diagn Ther)
Vol. 21
Issue 3
Pg. 269-71
( 2006)
ISSN: 1015-3837 [Print] Switzerland |
PMID | 16601336
(Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
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Copyright | Copyright 2006 S. Karger AG, Basel. |
Chemical References |
- Blood Group Antigens
- Hemoglobins
- Isoantibodies
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Topics |
- Adult
- Anemia
(immunology, therapy)
- Blood Group Antigens
(immunology)
- Blood Group Incompatibility
(complications)
- Blood Transfusion, Intrauterine
- Female
- Fetal Blood
(chemistry)
- Fetal Diseases
(immunology, therapy)
- Gestational Age
- Hemoglobins
(analysis)
- Humans
- Hydrops Fetalis
(immunology, therapy)
- Isoantibodies
(blood)
- Pregnancy
- Pregnancy Outcome
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