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EFFECT OF ABO INCOMPATIBILITY ON PREGNANCY-INDUCED RH ISOIMMUNIZATION.
Canadian Medical Association Journal
|January 4, 1964
Summary
The protective effect of ABO incompatibility against Rh hemolytic disease is not absolute. This study found cases of Rh sensitization occurring even with ABO incompatibility in every pregnancy.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Obstetrics
- Genetics
Background:
- The protective role of ABO incompatibility in preventing Rh isoimmunization during pregnancy has been assumed for two decades.
- Previous assumptions suggested Rh hemolytic disease only occurs after prior ABO-compatible pregnancies or is impossible if the father is AB and the mother O.
Purpose of the Study:
- To challenge the absolute nature of ABO incompatibility's protective effect on Rh isoimmunization.
- To investigate instances where Rh sensitization occurs despite continuous ABO incompatibility.
Main Methods:
- Detailed family studies were conducted on a large cohort experiencing pregnancy-induced Rh isoimmunization.
- Specific focus on families with ABO incompatibility across all pregnancies and those with an AB father and O mother.
Main Results:
- Nine families demonstrated Rh sensitization despite ABO incompatibility in every pregnancy.
- Three families presented with Rh immunization despite the father being AB and the mother being O.
Conclusions:
- The protective effect of ABO incompatibility against Rh isoimmunization is not absolute.
- Rh hemolytic disease can occur even with consistent ABO incompatibility, challenging long-held assumptions.