Abstract
There has been a marked reduction in the perinatal morbidity and mortality associated with haemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) following the introduction of universal Rh (D) immunoglobulin prophylaxis for Rh (D) negative mothers. However, numerous other maternally derived IgG antibodies to fetal red cell antigens can be associated with HDN of varying severity, especially Rh (c) alloantibodies. We report a case of a G 2 P 1 woman with steadily increasing Rh (c) antibody quantifications during pregnancy that resulted in clinically significant HDN. We discuss the importance of the laboratory investigations recommended by the ANZSBT's guidelines for the Blood Grouping and Antibody Screening in the Antenatal and Perinatal Setting such as alloantibody identification and sequential antibody titres and/or quantifications to aid in the risk assessment of HDN severity. Finally, we focus on therapeutic interventions available for the management of this potentially fatal disease.
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