KELL AND KIDD BLOOD GROUP Flashcards
What are the primary antigens in the Kell blood group system
K (Kell) and k (Cellano)
why are KELL blood group significant in transfusion medicine?
They are significant because antibodies against these antigens can cause severe hemolytic transfusion reactions (HTRs) and hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN).
Explain the role of Kell antibodies in hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN).
Kell antibodies can cross the placenta and target the fetus’s red blood cells, leading to their destruction. This can result in hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN), causing anemia and jaundice in the newborn.
Discuss the function of the Kidd blood group system’s glycoproteins and their relevance in transfusion reactions.
he Kidd blood group system’s glycoproteins, Jk (a) and Jk (b), function as urea transporters, helping maintain osmotic stability. Antibodies against Kidd antigens can cause delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions (DHTRs), which can be severe and occur after a delay following the transfusion
Why are Kell antibodies considered highly immunogenic, and what are the clinical implications of this property?
Kell antibodies are considered highly immunogenic because they are very effective at stimulating an immune response. The clinical implications include the potential for severe hemolytic transfusion reactions (HTRs) and hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN),
How do antibodies against Kidd antigens contribute to delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions (DHTRs)?
Antibodies against Kidd antigens can initially be undetectable, but after a blood transfusion, the immune system may recognize and attack the transfused red blood cells, leading to delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions (DHTRs). These reactions can cause the destruction of red blood cells several days after the transfusion.
How do Kell and Kidd antigens differ in their molecular structures and functions on red blood cells?
Kell antigens are glycoproteins involved in endothelin-3 cleavage, influencing vascular function. Kidd antigens are urea transporters maintaining osmotic balance. These differences impact how they interact with antibodies.
What is the clinical significance of weak D variants in the context of the Kell and Kidd blood group systems?
While weak D variants primarily relate to the Rh system, they highlight the complexity of antigen expression in transfusions. In Kell and Kidd systems, it underscores the importance of precise antigen matching to prevent reactions
Can Kell and Kidd antibodies cause hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN)? If so, how do these conditions manifest?
Yes, both can cause HDFN. Kell antibodies are especially severe, leading to anemia and hydrops fetalis. Kidd antibodies are less common but can still result in jaundice and anemia in newborns.
Why is it crucial to screen for both Kell and Kidd antibodies during pre-transfusion testing?
Screening prevents hemolytic reactions, as both antibodies can cause severe HTRs and HDFN. Kell antibodies are highly immunogenic, while Kidd antibodies can cause delayed reactions, making thorough testing essenti
Explain the mechanisms behind the immunogenicity of Kell and Kidd antibodies.
Kell antibodies are highly immunogenic due to strong antigenic stimulus, causing robust immune responses. Kidd antibodies may evade initial detection, leading to memory response activation and delayed hemolytic reactions.
Describe the potential complications of mismatched transfusions involving Kell and Kidd antibodies and outline the immediate steps that should be taken in the event of such a reaction.
- Stop the transfusion immediately.
- Maintain IV access with saline to prevent clot formation.
- Monitor vital signs and support organ function.
- Collect blood and urine samples for laboratory analysis.
- Administer appropriate supportive care, such as fluids, diuretics, or dialysis, depending on the severity.
- Investigate and identify the cause of the reaction to prevent future occurrences