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Review
. 2025 May 19;25(1):398.
doi: 10.1186/s12887-025-05749-8.

Neonatal Jka hemolytic disease combined with alloimmune thrombocytopenia with extreme anemia: a case report with literature review

Fangmei Luo  1 , Shangliang Chen  2 , Wenfang Li  3 , Ping Zhou  4
Affiliations
Review

Neonatal Jka hemolytic disease combined with alloimmune thrombocytopenia with extreme anemia: a case report with literature review

Fangmei Luo et al. BMC Pediatr. .

Abstract

Background: Only isolated occurrences of neonatal Jka hemolytic disease have been identified, and no cases of Jka hemolytic disease combining fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT) have been reported. The majority of medical professionals lack sufficient knowledge regarding Jka hemolytic disease, which could result in missed diagnoses and early misdiagnoses.

Case presentation: In this study, a case of a male newborn with extreme anemia and thrombocytopenia is reported. The newborn and his mother were identified as blood groups O RhD + and Jk(a + b+), and O RhD + and Jk(a-b+). Anti-Jka was identified in the plasma of both the mother and newborn. Thrombocytopenia and upper gastrointestinal bleeding were observed in the newborn, and both mother and newborn tested positive for platelet antibodies. The extreme anemia and thrombocytopenia were successfully treated with red cell transfusions and immunoglobulin.

Conclusion: Co-existence of neonatal Jka hemolytic disease and FNAIT is very rare in newborns with significant clinical manifestations. Early diagnosis and timely treatment are crucial for improving patient outcomes.

Keywords: Fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia; Hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn; Irregular antibodies; Kidd blood group system; anti-Jka.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Ethics approval and consent to participate: This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Baoan Women’s and Children’s Hospital (LLSC-2023-03-11-01-KS). Written informed consent to participate was obtained from the parents. Consent for publication: A written informed consent was obtained from the father of the patient for publication of this case report and any accompanying images. All authors have viewed and agreed to the submission. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests. Clinical trial number: Not applicable.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Trends in hemoglobin, bilirubinometer(A), and platelets(B) during hospitalization and follow-up. DAT, direct antiglobulin test; HGB, hemoglobin; IVIG, intravenous immunoglobulin; PLT, platelet; PT, phototherapy; TCB, transcutaneous bilirubinometer; TF, transfusion; TSB, total serum bilirubin.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Positive expression of CD36 antigen by peripheral blood monocytes in mother (A) and the term newborn (B)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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