A fatal case of hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn associated with Anti-Jka

Amani Y Owaidah; Eman Alsulmi

doi:10.23750/abm.v95i5.16435

A fatal case of hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn associated with Anti-Jka

Authors

Amani Y Owaidah Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5224-175X
Eman Alsulmi Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9416-277X

DOI: https://doi.org/10.23750/abm.v95i5.16435

Keywords:

hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn , hydrops fetalis, Kidd blood group system , prenatal screening

Abstract

Hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) is predominantly associated with RhD incompatibility between maternal and fetal blood. However, other blood group systems, including Kidd, Duffy, and MNS, can also cause HDFN. While these cases typically present with mild symptomatology and favorable prognoses, severe and potentially fatal outcomes may occur. This case report delineates a fatal instance of HDFN attributed to anti-Jk^a antibodies. The mother (26 years old) presented with polyhydramnios upon admission and was scheduled for a cesarean section. The neonate was delivered in a hypotonic and flaccid state. Laboratory analyses revealed hemoglobin levels of 13.4 g/dL, total bilirubin of 2 mg/dL, and a strongly positive direct antihuman globulin test (DAT). Anti-Jk^a antibodies were eluted from the neonate's blood. Despite aggressive therapeutic interventions, the infant succumbed within 24 hours post-partum. This case underscores the critical importance of comprehensive prenatal screening protocols for managing pregnancies complicated by alloantibodies to minor blood group systems.

Author Biographies

Amani Y Owaidah, Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia

Dr.Amani Owaidah is an Assistant Professor in Transfusion Medicine and Stem cells in the Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences at the college of Applied Medical Sciences in Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia. She is currently the Vice Dean of Scientific Research and Innovation in the college as well.

Eman Alsulmi, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia

Dr.Eman Alsulmi is an Assistant professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia. She is also a maternal and fetal consultant and the director of t OB/GYN Fellowship Program in King Fahd Hospital of the University in Dammam, Saudi Arabia.

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