Haemolytic Disease of the Newborn Due to Anti‐s

Abstract

Isoimmunization of a pregnant woman with two antibodies, a strong anti‐s and a weak anti‐D is reported. The woman gave birth to a child suffering from severe haemolytic disease, and two exchange transfusions were needed. The serological characteristics of the antibodies are described, and it is discussed why it was assumed that the haemolytic disease was caused by the anti‐s antibody.

MNS Blood Group System

“…It may be IgM or IgG; four of fi ve anti -s consisted of IgG3 alone [524] . Anti -s has been responsible for severe and fatal HDFN [10,525,526] and for delayed HTRs [515,527] . Anti -s are usually optimally reactive at 22 o C or below [508,509] .…”

Prenatal Assessment of Blood Group Antibodies Against ‘Public’ Antigens: An Example of Anti‐Ve (Vel) in Pregnancy

“…The antibody titre rose from 1:16 to 1:128 during pregnancy, and DEAE-column chromatography was carried out on the maternal serum to assess whether transplacental passage of anti-Ve was to be expected. The chromatographic technique and the immunoglobulin classification by Ouchterlony agar diffusion of the fractions eluted have been described elsewhere (Drachmann & Brogaard Hansen 1969). The first fraction eluted from the column contained small amounts of anti-Ve; this fraction was shown to consist of pure IgG and was considered to constitute an increased risk of the foetus being affected.…”