ABO Incompatibility and Rhesus Factors

Blood Grouping and Related Diseases

Immunology course01-09-2015

Pepi, Resvi, Suzzane, & Arjan

Blood grouping 35 blood group systems ABO system (surface antigen) & Rh system

(Transmembrane protein) ABO system : antigen A, B. blood typing :

A B AB O

Rh system : D antigen. Blood typing : Rh- & Rh+

ABO Incompatibility

Hemolytic disease of newborn : erythroblastosis

fetalis

Rhesus D incompatibility Rhesus D negative

Asian population: <1% Caucasion population: 16%

During pregnancy you can find fetal red blood cells in the circulation of the mother First trimester in 3% of cases Second trimester: 12% Third trimester: 45% During delivery: 50%

Highest chance of sensitization during detachment of placenta after delivery!

In USA in Rhesus D negative women with a Rhesus D+ child only in 1 per 1000 births (0.1%) rhesus sensitization occurs!

Medscape.com; Liumbruno et al; Blood transfusion, 2010

Diagnostical tests

Diagnostical tests

Prevention and treatment Antenatal Anti-D immunization

Small amount of anti-D anti-bodies are given to the mother >28th weeks of pregnancy

Self limiting in less severe cases Exchange transfusions in very severe cases

Medscape.com; Liumbruno et al; Blood transfusion, 2010

ITP