Human Reproduction, Vol 13, 1472-1475, Copyright © 1998 by Oxford University Press
S Lipitz, A Many, S Mitrani-Rosenbaum, H Carp, Y Frenkel and R Achiron
The study was conducted to report on the use of molecular biology methods
and pregnancy outcome in women sensitized to either Rhesus D (RhD) or Kell
1 (K1) antigens. Paternal RhD genotype was determined by DNA amplification
of an RhD-specific sequence from single sperm cells. Paternal Kell
phenotype was determined by serologic assays using peripheral blood
samples, and the fetal RhD or Kell-type status were established by the
polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with amniotic cells. Thirteen women (14
pregnancies, one with twins) sensitized to RhD and four sensitized to K1
antigens, comprised the study group. All had paternal heterozygosity to
either D or K1 antigens. Nine fetuses were RhD positive and five were RhD
negative. An additional woman underwent early spontaneous abortion. The
nine RhD-positive fetuses underwent a total of 41 invasive procedures. One
fetus with hydrops fetalis died in utero after intrauterine blood
transfusion. All the remaining RhD- positive fetuses were delivered after
33 weeks gestation, and all those who were RhD negative were delivered at
term. Four women were sensitized to the K1 antigen; in three, the fetus was
found to be K1 negative, and in one, K1 positive, necessitating
intrauterine blood transfusion. In all cases, the results of RhD or K1
genotype analyses from amniotic fluid were compatible with fetal/neonatal
red blood cell RhD or Kell phenotypes. In conclusion, the use of molecular
biology techniques represents a major advance in the clinical management of
RhD and Kell alloimmunization.
ARTICLES
Obstetric outcome after RhD and Kell testing
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel.
![]()
CiteULike
Connotea
Del.icio.us What's this?