Haemolytic disease of the newborn because of rare anti-Vel

A J van Gammeren1, M A M Overbeeke, R N Idema

  • 1Department of Clinical Chemistry and Haematology, Amphia Hospital, Breda, The Netherlands. avangammeren@amphia.nl

Routine screening for maternal immunization in a 36-year-old woman revealed an alloimmunization against the high-incidence Vel antigen during a second pregnancy. Because of the development of immunoglobulin G-type anti-Vel, the infant developed haemolytic disease of the newborn, with severe jaundice and reticulocytosis. Phototherapy was needed to reduce hyperbilirubinaemia.

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