Haemolytic disease of the newborn due to multiple maternal antibodies

Abstract

Haemolytic disease of the foetus and newborn (HDFN) is a condition in which the lifespan of an infant's red blood cells (RBCs) is shortened by the action of specific maternal immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody. Rhesus (Rh)-D haemolytic disease of the newborn is a prototype of maternal isoimmunization and foetal haemolytic disease. Although rare, the other blood group antigens capable of causing alloimunization and haemolytic disease are c, C, E, Kell and Duffy. We report a case of HDFN due to anti-D and anti-C in the maternal serum as a result of anamnestic response to Rh-D and C antigens. This report highlights the importance of antibody screening in antenatal women which could assist in diagnosing and successfully treating the foetus and newborn with appropriate antigen negative cross-matched compatible blood.