Hemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn (HDFN | from Harmening [7th ed.] | F) Flashcards
What is the meaning of HDFN?
Hemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn
What is HDFN?
It is the destruction of the RBCs of a fetus and neonate by Abs produced by the mother
Abs (produced by the mother) -> RBCs (of fetus and neonate)
How did the mother acquired Abs (/ RBC Abs)?
Via stimulation
What are the Abs formed (via stimulation) by the mother (in the case of ABO HDFN)?
ABO Abs
What are the ways / methods for the mother to be stimulated to form RBC Abs?
By:
1) Previous pregnancy
2) Transfusion (RBC alloimmunization)
What is the meaning of RhIG?
Rh immune globulin
Before the advent of RhIG, HDFN is caused by what?
By maternal Abs w/c are directed against the Rh Ag D (RhD)
Before the advent of RhIG, how many cases of HDFN were caused by maternal Abs w/c are directed against RhD?
95% of the cases
What happened in 1968?
The incidence of HDFN w/c is caused by anti-D has decreased w/ the introduction of RhIG
True or False
Even though that there’s a decrease in the incidence of HDFN (being cause by anti-D), RhD still continues to remain an impt cause of incompatibility
True
True or False
The frequency of HDFN (caused by anti-D) has been equaled or surpassed by other RBC Ab specificities
True
What is the method / way / principle of the initial dx of maternal RBC alloimmunization?
Serologic
How did the risk stratification and management of HDFN improved?
Due to the advances in technology
What are the ways / methods that have greatly increased the success of accurately diagnosing and adequately treating HDFN?
1) Ultrasonography
2) Doppler assessment of middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity
3) Cordocentesis
4) Fetal DNA analysis (from amniotic fluid or maternal plasma)
5) Intravascular intrauterine transfusion
True or False
The clinical findings in the fetus and newborn were noted as early as 18th century
False, because the clinical findings in the fetus and newborn were noted as early as 17th century
What happened in 1939?
Levine and Stetson reported a transfusion rxn from transfusing a husband’s blood to a postpartum woman
What did Levine and Stetson postulated?
They postulated that the mother had been immunized to the father’s Ag through fetomaternal hemorrhage (FMH)
What is the Ag present in the father’s RBCs that had been transfused to the mother w/c resulted to a transfusion rxn?
RhD
What can be the causes of maternal RBC alloimmunization?
1) Previous pregnancy
2) Previous transfusion
True or False
Accdg to some authors, they suggest significant impact of previous transfusion on development of future HDFN
True
What are the statistics accdg to the large international cohort of infant-mother pairs (that had a severe course of HDFN) of the ff causes of maternal alloimmunization:
1) Due to previous pregnancy
2) Due to previous transfusion
3) Not determined (/ unable to be determined)
1) 83% (most)
2) 4%
3) 14%
What is the cause of HDFN?
It is caused by the destruction of the fetal RBCs by Abs produced by the mother
What is the Ig class of the mother’s Abs (w/c are produced to destroy the fetal RBCs)?
IgG
True or False
Abs of IgG class are actively transported across the placenta via Fc receptors
True
True or False
Other Ig class (such as IgM and IgA) are not actively transported across the placenta via Fc receptors
True
Most IgG Abs are directed against what?
1) Bacterial Ags
2) Fungal Ags
3) Viral Ags
Why is the transfer of IgG from the mother to the fetus beneficial?
Because most IgG Abs are directed against bacterial, fungal, and viral Ags
What is the action of the Abs in the case of HDFN?
These are directed against the blood grp Ags on the fetal RBCs (that were inherited from the father)
What is the most common cause of HDFN (as the incidence of HDFN caused by RhD has declined)?
ABO incompatibility
What is the probability of mother and infant being ABO-incompatible?
1 in every 5 pregnancies
What are the actions of the maternal Abs (that are IgG)
1) These can cross the placenta
2) These can attach to the ABO Ags of the fetal RBCs
Where are ABO Abs present?
These are present in the plasma of all individuals whose RBCs lack the corresponding Ag
ABO Abs are also called as what?
Isohemagglutinins
What are isohemagglutinins?
These result from environmental stimulus in early life
What is the characteristic of grp O individuals?
These are most likely to form high-titered IgG anti-ABO Abs
True or False
ABO HDFN is nearly always limited to A or B infants of grp O mothers w/ potent anti-A,B Abs
True
Epidemiologically, clinically significant ABO HDFN occurs most frequently in what situations?
1) In grp O mothers who have a grp A infant in the white populations
2) In grp O mothers who have grp B infant in the black population
3) When Ab titers are high ( 512 > or equal to)
True or False
ABO HDFN can occur in the 1st pregnancy and in any subsequent pregnancies
False, because ABO HDFN can occur in the 1st pregnancy and in any, but not necessarily all, subsequent pregnancies
Why does ABO HDFN occur in the 1st pregnancy and in any, but not all, subsequent pregnancies?
Because it does not depend on previous foreign RBC stimulation
Tetanus toxoid administration and helminth parasite infection during pregnancy have been linked to what?
To the production of high-titered IgG ABO Abs and severe HDFN
A typically mild course of ABO HDFN is related to what?
To poor development of ABO Ags on fetal RBCs
What is the characteristic of ABO Ags?
These are not fully developed until after the 1st yr of life
Grp A infant RBCs are serologically more similar to what?
A2 adult cells
What are much weaker, grp A infant RBCs or group A2 infant RBCs?
Group A2 infant RBCs
Where is weakened A Ag on fetal and neonatal RBCs more readily demonstrable, w/ human anti-A rgnts or w/ monoclonal anti-A rgnts?
W/ human anti-A rgnts than w/ monoclonal anti-A rgnts
True or False
Since grp A2 infant RBCs are much weaker > A2 adult cells, grp A2 infants are less likely to have ABO HDFN
True
True or False
The lab findings and clinical characteristics of the infant affected by ABO HDFN differ from HDFN due to anti-D and other RBC alloAbs
True
What are the characteristics (in terms of lab findings) of the ABO HDFN?
1) Microspherocytes (present in cases of hemolytic jaundice)
2) Increased RBC fragility
Like other forms of HDFN, the severity of the disease is dependent on what?
1) Presence of a (+) DAT result
2) Demonstrable anti-A, anti-B, or anti-A,B in the eluate of the infant’s RBCs
ABO HDFN causes what?
It causes a bili peak at 1 - 3 days
True or False
In HDFN caused by other Ab specificities, the peak of bili is much later than w/ ABO HDFN
True
What is usually sufficient for slowly rising bili lvls?
Phototherapy
True or False
Rapidly increasing bili lvls rarely occur in pts w/ HDFN
True
If a pt has rapid increase of bili lvls, what may be required to be done?
1) IVIG
2) Exchange transfusion w/ grp O RBCs
What are the serious consequences w/ other causes of HDFN (other than ABO HDFN)?
1) Stillbirth
2) Hydrops fetalis
3) Kernicterus
What is the probability of the occurrence of the serious consequences (w/c are present w/ other causes of HDFN) in ABO induced HDFN?
Extremely rare
What are the several factors that affect maternal RBC alloimmunization and severity of HDFN?
1) Antigenic exposure
2) Maternal immune system factors
3) Ab specificity
4) Influence of the ABO grp
What is the leading cause of maternal alloimmunization?
Previous pregnancy w/ fetomaternal hemorrhage (FMH)
True or False
Transplacental hemorrhage of fetal RBCs into the maternal circulation occurs in most women
True
What is the volume and percentage of occurrence of women whom transplacental hemorrhage of fetal RBCs into the maternal circulation is present?
It is usually a very small amt (specifically 0.5 mL in 93% women)
What are the interventions that can increase the risk of FMH?
1) Amniocentesis
2) Chorionic villus sampling
3) Trauma to the abdomen
What is the incidence of FMH at delivery?
50% >
What are the events that happen if FMH is present during delivery?
This is the time that the placenta separates from the uterus, and fetal RBCs can enter the maternal circulation
What is the pathogenesis of HDFN (w/c is caused by maternal alloimmunization and incompatibility between the fetus and mother)?
Hemorrhage of D-(+) fetal RBCs into D-(-) mother -> maternal Ab formed against paternally inherited D Ag -> nxt D-(+) pregnancy -> placental passage of maternal IgG anti-D -> maternal Ab attaches to the fetal RBCs -> hemolysis of fetal RBCs
The ability of individuals to produce Abs in response to antigenic exposure varies, depending on what?
Complex genetic factors (w/c are not entirely defined)
What is the percentage of Rh-(-) individuals who respond and form anti-D (if Rh-[-] individuals are transfused w/ 200 mL of RhD-[+] RBCs)
85%
True or False
Nearly all nonresponders will fail to produce anti-D even w/ repeated exposure to RhD-(+) blood
True
What happens if RhIG is not administered to an RhD-(-) mother?
The risk of immunization is only about 16% after an RhD-(+) pregnancy
What are the factors that affect the severity of HDFN?
1) Ig class
2) Subclass of maternal Ab
What are the classes of Ig?
1) IgG
2) IgM
3) IgA
4) IgD
5) IgE
What is the only Ig class that can be transported across the placenta?
IgG
When does the active transport of IgG begin?
It begins in the 2nd trimester and continues until birth
How are IgG molecules transported?
These are transported via the Fc portion of the Abs
What are the 4 subclasses of IgG Ab?
1) IgG1
2) IgG2
3) IgG3
4) IgG4
Among the 4 subclasses of IgG, what subclasses are more efficient in RBC intravascular hemolysis?
IgG1 and IgG3 > IgG2 and IgG4
True or False
Only the subclasses IgG1 and IgG3 are transported across the placenta
False, because all subclasses of IgG are transported across the placenta
Of all the RBC Ags, what Ag is the most antigenic?
RhD
What are the common Ags in the Rh system?
1) c
2) E
3) C
What are the characteristics of c, E, and C Ags?
1) These are potent immunogens
2) These have been associated w/ moderate to severe cases of HDFN
What are the Abs of the Rh system that if these caused severe HDFN, intervention and treatment are required?
1) Anti-c
2) Anti-E
Among non-Rh system Abs, what system of Ab is considered the most clinically significant in its ability to cause HDFN?
Anti-Kell
Where are Kell blood grp Ags present?
On immature erythroid cells in the fetal bone marrow
True or False
Due to the site where Kell blood grp Ags are present, severe anemia occurs only by destruction of circulating RBCs
False, because due to the site where Kell blood grp Ags are present, severe anemia occurs not only by destruction of circulating RBCs but also by destruction of precursors
True or False
Because of the impact of anti-K on fetal RBC precursors, the anti-K titer is less predictive of severe fetal anemia
True
Since anti-K has an impact on fetal RBC precursors, the anti-K titer is less predictive of severe fetal anemia, hence what?
Hence, all pregnant women w/ anti-K RBC Abs should be followed closely for evidence of HDFN
What is the major incompatibility that is the cause of HDFN?
ABO incompatibility
True or False
If the mother is ABO-incompatible w/ the fetus, the incidence of detectable fetomaternal hemorrhage is decreased
True
True or False
The incidence of D immunization is more in mothers w/ major ABO incompatibility w/ the fetus
False, because the incidence of immunization is less in mothers w/ major ABO incompatibility w/ the fetus
Why is the incidence of D immunization is less in mothers w/ major ABO incompatibility w/ the fetus?
Due to the presence of clearing or hemolysis of ABO-incompatible RhD-(+) fetal RBCs in the mother’s circulation before the RhD Ag can be recognized by her immune system
True or False
Once the mother is immunized to a RBC Ag, all subsequent offspring who inherit the Ag will potentially be affected
True
What are the actions of the maternal Ab?
1) It can cross the placenta
2) Then, it can bind to the fetal Ag-(+) cells
When does hemolysis occur in HDFN?
Hemolysis occurs when maternal IgG attaches to sp Ags of the fetal RBCs
Explain how does erythroblastosis fetalis occur (and explain its principle)
1) The maternal Ab crosses the placenta and binds to the fetal Ag-(+) cells
2) When maternal IgG attaches to sp Ags of fetal RBCs, hemolysis will occur
3) These Ab-coated cells are removed from the circulation by the macrophages of the fetal spleen
4) Due to the hemolysis (destruction of fetal RBCs) present, it will result to anemia
5) Due to the anemia present, the fetal bone marrow will be stimulated to produce RBCs (at an accelerated rate) even thought that these are still immature (/ immature RBCs: erythroblasts)
6) These erythroblasts are then released into the circulation, reason why this finding is called erythroblastosis fetalis
What happens if the fetal bone marrow fails to fully compensate the lost fetal RBCs (due to hemolysis)?
Erythropoiesis (EPO) will be increased in the outside of the bone marrow, hence, EPO will be increased in the fetal spleen and liver
Since EPO is increased in the fetal spleen and liver, what happens to these organs?
These organs (fetal spleen and liver) will become enlarged (hepatosplenomegaly)
What happens if the hepatosplenomegaly is present?
It results to portal hypertension and hepatocellular damage
Explain how does hydrops fetalis occur (explain its principle)
1) Due to the presence of decreased hepatic production of plasma proteins, severe anemia and hypoproteinemia occurs
2) Due to the presence of severe anemia and hypoproteinemia, it will lead to the development to high-output cardiac failure (due to the compensatory mechanism done by the heart: w/c is to pump more blood [since plasma is present in the blood; whereas proteins are present in the plasma])
3) This high-output cardiac failure is associated w/ generalized edema, effusions, and ascites, hence the term for this condition as hydrops fetalis
When does severe hydrops fetalis occur?
In 18 - 20 wks of gestation
True or False
In the past, hydrops fetalis was almost uniformly fatal
True
True or False
As of today, most fetuses w/ hydrops fetalis can be treated successfully, although many suffer permanent consequences
True
What is the finding in the large cohort study done of children treated w/ intrauterine transfusion (IUT, below)?
Those children w/ severe hydrops fetalis were most likely to have severe long-term neurological impairment
True or False
The process of RBC destruction continues after birth as long as maternal Ab persists in the newborn infant’s circulation
True
True or False
The rate of RBC destruction after birth increases
False, because the rate of RBC destruction after birth decreases
Why does the rate of RBC destruction after birth decreases?
Because no additional material Ab is entering the infant’s circulation through the placenta
What are the characteristics of IgG?
1) It is distributed both extravascularly and intravascularly
2) It has a half-life of 25 days
3) It is the only Ig class that can actively be transported across the placenta
Due to the half-life of IgG, Ab binding and hemolysis can continue for what duration after delivery?
For several days to wks after delivery
What are the 3 diff phases of anemia caused by HDFN?
1) Early anemia
2) Late hemolytic anemia
3) Late hyporegenerative anemia
When is early anemia present?
It is present within 7 days of birth
What is the cause of early anemia?
It is present due to the Ab-mediated hemolysis
When is late hemolytic anemia present?
It is present 2 wks or more after birth
What are the causes of late hemolytic anemia?
1) Continued hemolysis
2) The expanding intravascular compartment
3) Natural decline of hgb lvls
What is the cause of late hyporegenerative anemia?
It is due to the marrow suppression
What are the causes of marrow suppression (w/c is a cause of late hyporegenerative anemia)?
1) Transfusions
2) IUT
3) Ab destruction of RBC precursors
4) Deficiency of EPO
How is bili produced?
Due to HDFN, RBC destruction is present, whereas it releases hgb w/c is then metabolized to bili in diff metabolic stages
What is the other name of indirect bili?
Unconjugated bili
What is the characteristic of UCB?
It does not dissolve H2O
How is UCB conjugated?
1) It travels through the bloodstream
2) Then it goes to the liver (for it to be conjugated and rendered H2O soluble [direct bili])
3) Direct bili / conjugated bili is then excreted through the GI tract
True or False
The fetal liver is capable of metabolizing indirect bili
False, because the fetal liver is not capable of metabolizing indirect bili
Since the fetal liver is not capable of metabolizing the UCB, what happens to the UCB produced / made by the fetus (during pregnancy)?
The UCB (made by the fetus during pregnancy) is transported across the placenta and conjugated by the maternal liver and safely excreted
True or False
After birth, the fetal liver is already mature, hence, it is already capable of metabolizing bili efficiently
False, because after birth, the fetal liver is not yet mature (it is still immature), hence, it is not capable yet of metabolizing bili efficiently
What is the result since after birth, the fetal liver is still immature and still can’t metabolize bili efficiently?
It leads to the accumulation of UCB and neonatal jaundice
At what context are bili lvls higher, in the case of a normal newborn infant, or in the case of a newborn infant who is affected by HDFN?
The bili lvls are higher in the case of a newborn infant who is affected by HDFN
Why are the bili lvls higher in the case of a newborn infant who is affected by HDFN?
Due to the presence of pathological RBC destruction
What are the severe consequences if moderate to severe hemolysis of HDFN is present?
The UCB or indirect bili can reach lvls to the point that are toxic to the infant’s brain
What is the lvl of UCB that is considered as toxic to the infant’s brain?
UCB lvls w/c are generally 18 - 20 mg/dL >
In cases of moderate to severe HDFN, the UCB lvls of the infant are considered as toxic to his/her brain, if this condition is left untreated, what will it cause?
It can cause kernicterus or permanent damage to the brain
True or False
Many investigators have tried to use the Ig class and titer of maternal ABO Abs to predict ABO HDFN
True
True or False
Tests such as Ig class and titer of maternal ABO Abs are laborious and at best demonstrate the presence of IgG maternal Ab; also, these tests correlate well w/ the extent of fetal RBC destruction
False, because tests such as Ig class and titer of maternal ABO Abs are laborious and at best demonstrate the presence of IgG maternal Ab; but these tests do not correlate well w/ the extent of fetal RBC destruction
When is the detection of ABO HDFN best done?
After birth
Is there a single serologic test that is diagnostic for ABO HDFN?
None
When are various causes of jaundice need to be investigated?
When a newborn develops jaundice within 12 - 48 hrs after birth
What is the most impt diagnostic test for ABO HDFN?
DAT on the cord or neonatal RBCs
Among all cases of ABO HDFN, what is the percentage whom requires transfusion therapy whereas DAT is (+)?
100%
Among all cases of ABO HDFN, what is the percentage whom has jaundice whereas DAT is (+)?
90%
Can DAT be (+) even if the pt (newborn infant) has no signs and symptoms of clinical anemia?
Yes
What may the pts who have (+) DAT even w/ the absence of signs and symptoms have?
They may have compensated anemia or the RBCs are not being destroyed by the reticuloendothelial system
What is the highly recommended sx to be collected on all delivered infants?
Cord blood
How should cord blood be collected (from all delivered infants)?
Via venipuncture
Why should cord blood (from all delivered infants) be collected via venipuncture?
To avoid contamination w/ the maternal blood and Wharton’s jelly
What is Wharton’s jelly?
This is the material surrounding the blood vessels
What should be done after collecting cord blood (from all delivered infants)?
These sxs should be anticoagulated for storage
What should be done if the neonatal infant develops jaundice?
ABO, RhD, and DAT testing can be carried out and the results of these tests are assessed
What should be done if DAT is (-) but the infant is jaundiced?
Other causes of jaundice should be investigated
What is the probability of occurrence of where DAT is (-) (whereas ABO incompatibility can be the only cause of neonatal jaundice), and the eluate of the cord RBCs may reveal ABO Abs?
Rare
True or False
If the mother’s blood sx is not available, the eluate is not considered helpful
False, because if the mother’s blood sx is not available, the eluate is considered helpful
The dx of HDFN due to previous RBC exposure and alloimmunization requires close cooperation among whom?
1) The pregnant pt
2) Her health-care provider
3) Her partner
4) The personnel of the clinical lab performing the testing
What are the tests that are recommended to be done at the 1st prenatal visit?
1) Type
2) Ab detection test
When specifically (of the pts gestation) are the essential tests recommended to be performed at the 1st prenatal visit?
Preferably during the 1st trimester
What are the essential info that should be obtained during the 1st prenatal visit?
1) Maternal history (to understand if there is a history of HDFN)
2) Previous pregnancy outcomes
3) Whether there is a history of prior transfusions
What are useful in assessing the extent of intrauterine fetal anemia during the 1st affected pregnancy?
Consecutive Ab titers
True or False
Ab titers are less predictive in subsequent pregnancies
True
What should be done to the prenatal sx?
It must be typed for ABO and RhD
What are the tests that must able to detect clinically significant IgG alloAbs that are reactive at 37 DC and in the anti-globulin phase?
1) Ab detection method
2) Indirect antihuman globulin test (IAT)
How many and what are the rgnts that should be used for performing Ab detection method and IAT?
At least 2 separate rgnt screening RBCs that express all of the common blood grp Ags (preferably homozygous)
If tube testing is performed, what should be done?
An Ab-enhancing medium should be used
What are the Ab-enhancing media that can be used for tube testing?
1) Polyethylene glycol (PEG)
2) Low ionic strength solution (LISS)
What is the purpose of using Ab-enhancing medium for tube testing?
To increase the sensitivity of the assay
What are the clinically insignificant Abs that prenatal pts may produce?
1) Anti-Le^a
2) Anti-Le^b
Since prenatal pts may produce clinically insignificant Abs (such as anti-Le^a and anti-Le^b), what can be done?
1) Immediate spin can be omitted
2) Room temp incubation phases can also be omitted
3) Anti-IgG is used rather than polyspecific antiglobulin rgnt
What is the purpose of omitting immediate spin and room temp incubation phases, also, using anti-IgG rather than polyspecific rgnts?
To reduce the detection of IgM Abs (such as anti-Le^a and anti-Le^b)
Can IgM cross the placenta?
No
What are the other Ab screening methods that may be used?
1) Solid phase
2) Gel column
What should be done if the Ab screen is nonreactive?
Repeat testing is recommended before RhIG therapy in RhD-(-) prenatal pts and in the 3rd trimester if the pt has been transfused or has a history of unexpected Abs
What should be done if Ab screen is reactive?
The Ab identity must be determined. Then, follow-up testing depend on the antibody specificity
What are the exs of cold-reactive IgM Abs?
1) Anti-I
2) Anti-IH
3) Anti-Le^a
4) Anti-Le^b
5) Anti-P1
In Ab identification, can cold reactive IgM Abs be ignored?
Yes