First report from India of haemolytic disease of newborn by anti-c and anti-E in Rh (D) positive mothers

Abstract

In India, at the majority of the transfusion centers, antenatal antibody screening is done only in Rh (D) negative mothers. We report here two cases of haemolytic disease of newborn (HDN) by maternal alloimmunization to anti-c in one case, and both anti-c and anti-E in the second case. Both women were Rh (D) positive mothers and HDN was detected postnatally by a positive direct antiglobulin test (DAT) in their newborns. These cases highlight the importance of routine antenatal antibody screening even in Rh (D) positive females. A close follow-up throughout pregnancy is required if irregular antibodies are present so that antigen negative, crossmatch compatible blood can be provided in a timely manner for intra-uterine or exchange transfusions.