Is antenatal antibody screening worthwhile in Chinese?

Br J Haematol. 1997 Jun;97(4):917-9. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2141.1997.1292944.x.

Abstract

A total of 1997 pregnant women were screened during their first antenatal visit for irregular antibodies for the prevention of haemolytic disease of the newborn. Patient sera were tested against a panel of group O screen cells including one with the expression of Miltenberger determinants GP.Mur. 17 women (0.85%) had irregular antibodies of which four were of potential clinical significance, including one with anti-D, two with anti-E and one with anti-D, anti-E and anti-G. Although antenatal antibody screening is mandatory in Western populations, our results suggest that this may not be necessary in the Chinese population except for those who are Rh D-negative or who have a history of haemolytic disease of the newborn.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • China / ethnology
  • Erythroblastosis, Fetal / prevention & control*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Isoantibodies / analysis*
  • Mass Screening
  • Middle Aged
  • Pregnancy
  • Prenatal Diagnosis / methods*
  • Rho(D) Immune Globulin

Substances

  • Isoantibodies
  • RHO(D) antibody
  • Rho(D) Immune Globulin