NEONATAL HYPERBILIRUBINEMIA DUE TO MINOR BLOOD GROUP INCOMPATIBILILITY (C antigen) IN A NEWBORN

Abstract

Anti-c is the second most common cause of severe HDNB after anti-D. We present in this article, a case of HDNB due to anti-c antibody incompatibility, associated with hyperbilirubinemia, which is a rare cause of newbornanemia. A Late Preterm 36 weeks 3 Days GA Female baby with birth weight of 2360 grams, Bilirubin total was 16 mg/dl on Day 1, DCT was positive, Hb 9.8 gm/dl. Then minor blood group incompatibility was suspected and sent for analysis. Meanwhile baby was given Intravenous Immunoglobulin @1gm/kg over 6hrs. Extended Rh phenotyping turned out to be Anti-c antibody positive in mother’s serum causing alloimmune hemolyticanemia in baby. Anti-c antibodies may occur due to prior exposures such as blood transfusions, abruptio placenta, spontaneous abortion, previous cesarean section. In newborns presenting with evidence of neonatal jaundice due to hemolysis not due to Rh and ABO incompatibilities, possibility of minor blood group incompatibility should be considered. Anti-C minor blood group incompatibility should be considered in the setting of hemolysis and persistent hyperbilirubinemia diagnosis and management can avert morbidity and mortality. There is a necessity for introduction of antibody screening for pregnant woman as a part of antenatal care in order to reduce burden of HDNB.