Prevalence Rate of Red Blood Cell Antibodies during Gravidity in the Federal Province of Salzburg

Abstract

Background: One of the aims of maternity care is the timely recognition of the risk of hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) by specific screening for antibodies. Although the antibody screening test (ABST) is recommended as an obligatory measure during gravidity in the draft of the Austrian guidelines for blood group serology and transfusion medicine part IV, the Austrian ordinance concerning the mother-child screening card provides for merely a confirmation of the blood group, though no screening for antibodies. Material and Methods:Over a period of 46 months (January 1, 1994 to October 31, 1997) the ABSTs of 24,538 (19,285 D-positive and 5,253 D-negative) pregnancies were evaluated in the province of Salzburg. Results:The prevalence of antibodies in pregnancies of D-positive women amounted to a total of 0.47%, that of D-negative women to 2.41%. HDNs being in need of transfusion were found in 0.25% of the children with D-negative and in 0.02% of children with D-positive mothers.