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Case Reports
. 2003 Nov;102(5 Pt 2):1143-5.
doi: 10.1016/s0029-7844(03)00709-9.

Fatal hydrops fetalis caused by anti-D in a mother with partial D

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Case Reports

Fatal hydrops fetalis caused by anti-D in a mother with partial D

Michael Cannon et al. Obstet Gynecol. 2003 Nov.

Abstract

Background: Rare cases of hemolytic disease of the newborn occur in women with genetic variants of the D antigen. A partial D variant might be suspected when typing for the D antigen shows weaker-than-normal reactions (weak D). Historically, patients with a weak D phenotype have not been considered candidates for Rh immune globulin prophylaxis.

Case: A gravida 2, para 1 woman with A-positive blood type, delivered an infant who died from severe hemolytic disease of the newborn 6 days after birth. Anti-D, undetectable at the first prenatal visit, was identified (titer 1:64) at delivery. The mother's red cells were partial D(VI) phenotype.

Conclusion: Although severe hemolytic disease in patients with partial D is rare, this neonatal death illustrates the need for a change in management of women with weak D.

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