Severe Fetal Hemolysis and Cholestasis Due to High-Titer Maternal IgG Anti-A Antibodies

Abstract

ABO blood group incompatibility between mother and fetus can lead to hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN). We present the first case of severe O/A HDFN associated with extremely high-titer (1:32 000) immunoglobulin G anti-A antibodies in a Cameroon mother. Cord blood analysis revealed severe fetal hemolytic anemia and conjugated hyperbilirubinemia. After exclusion of an underlying disease and other risk factors, cholestasis resolved after treatment with ursodeoxycholic acid, a red blood cell transfusion, and intravenous immunoglobulins. This case is presented to create awareness for a more severe course of ABO HDFN in nonwhite and non-European mother-child pairs.