[Hemolytic disease of the newborn due to ABO incompatibility. A predictive test]

A direct 2 stage enzymatic test and the direct anti gamma globulin test were used to predict hemolytic disease of the newborn. Maternal allo-antibodies were determined in cord blood of all newborns from April to June 1988. 0.25% bromelase was used for the 2 Stage Enzymatic Test and a polyspecific anti-gammaglobulin serum was used for the Anti Gamma Globulin Test. Of 618 newborns 97 had parental ABO heterospecificity. Maternal allo-antibodies were present in 20 cases (3.2%). 20 of 86 fullterm newborns developed jaundice presumably due to ABO incompatibility. Blood exchange was required in 6, while phototherapy was sufficient in the rest. The 2 Stage Enzymatic Test was positive in 20 of these cases and the Anti Gamma Globulin Test was positive in 10. Thus, these tests may be used to predict hemolytic disease of the newborn due to ABO incompatibility.