Diagnosis of Rare Antibody Anti-Ata in Pregnancy: A Case Report

Abstract

Abstract Background Anti-Augustine antigen (Ata) is a high-prevalence RBC antigen, and anti-Ata is an extremely rare RBC alloantibody. Anti-Ata is usually produced by an Ata (–) individual after alloimmunization by transfusion or during a pregnancy and is associated with immediate or delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions and hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn. We report the detection of a unique antibody to an antigen of high incidence, the anti-Ata. Case Presentation The patient was a 26-year-old African American pregnant female G7P2042 with a medical history of beta-thalassemia trait, presented at her second trimester for evaluation of abdominal cramping. The patient has had two prior ectopic pregnancies, managed surgically, and two healthy children delivered vaginally with no obstetric or congenital complications. She was treated for a pulmonary embolism a few months before while she was on OCPs. She had no prior transfusions. She also had anemia (RBC 4.1 × 1012/L, Hgb 9.7 g/dL, Hct 29.6%, MCV 72.2 fL). The patient’s blood sample was sent for type and screen, and it came positive for anti-Ata antibody. This test was performed at Memorial Blood Centers (a reference lab) and Kaleida Health Laboratories. The phenotype of our patient was c+ E+ e+ k+ Kpb+ Jsb+ Jka+ M+ N+ s+ U+ Lub+. The baby was followed with serial fetal middle cerebral arterial (MCA) Doppler assessment, without evidence of fetal anemia. The term infant was delivered by cesarean section without complications. Currently, both mother and baby are doing well. Conclusion Although anti-Ata is unlikely to cause hemolytic disease of the newborn, it is important to ensure that compatible blood is available should the mother require transfusion postdelivery.