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Biological mothers may be dangerous blood donors for their neonates
C Elbert1, R G Strauss, F Barrett
1DeGowin Blood Center, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City.
Insights
Biological mothers may pose risks as directed blood donors for premature neonates due to antibodies. Testing revealed antileukocyte and antiplatelet antibodies in 16% and 12% of mothers, respectively.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neonatal Medicine
- Transfusion Medicine
Background:
- Premature neonates often require blood transfusions.
- Biological parents may serve as directed blood donors.
- Maternal plasma can contain antibodies reactive with infant blood cell antigens inherited from the father.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of antibodies against red blood cell, leukocyte, and platelet antigens in healthy pregnant women at delivery.
- To assess the potential risks associated with maternal directed blood donations for neonates.
Main Methods:
- Studied 25 healthy pregnant women at the time of delivery.
- Excluded mothers with known red cell antibodies earlier in pregnancy.
- Assessed for the presence of antibodies against red blood cell, leukocyte, and platelet antigens.
Main Results:
- No new red cell antibodies were detected at delivery in the studied cohort.
- Antileukocyte antibodies were found in 16% of mothers.
- Antiplatelet antibodies were detected in 12% of mothers.
Conclusions:
- Maternal antibodies (antileukocyte and antiplatelet) can pose a risk to neonates receiving transfused blood components containing plasma.
- Recommendations include avoiding plasma-containing blood products from biological mothers or using washed maternal red cells and platelets.
Abstract:
Premature neonates require blood transfusions, and biological parents may wish to be directed donors. Biological mothers pose a potential danger because their plasma may contain antibodies that will react with blood cell antigens inherited by the infant from the father. We studied 25 healthy, pregnant women at the time of delivery for the presence of antibodies against red blood cell, leukocyte and platelet antigens. Mothers known to have red cell antibodies earlier in pregnancy were excluded, and no new red cell antibodies appeared at delivery. Antileukocyte and antiplatelet antibodies were found in 16 and 12% of mothers, respectively. Because these antibodies have the potential to cause adverse reactions when transfused passively, we suggest that either biological mothers not provide blood components containing plasma for their neonates or that maternal red cells and platelets be given as washed products.