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Severe fetal hydrops resulting from ABO incompatibility.
D M Sherer1, J S Abramowicz, R M Ryan
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester, New York.
Obstetrics and Gynecology
|November 11, 1991
Summary
This case report details a rare instance of severe fetal hydrops caused by ABO incompatibility. The newborn survived due to timely intervention and management of the condition.
Area of Science:
- Perinatology
- Neonatology
- Immunology
Background:
- ABO incompatibility is a common cause of hemolytic disease of the newborn, typically resulting in mild symptoms.
- Severe fetal hydrops, characterized by widespread edema in the fetus, is a rare and serious complication of ABO incompatibility.
Observation:
- A 34-week gestation fetus presented with severe hydrops fetalis.
- Fetal testing revealed a normal karyotype but a low hematocrit (20%).
- Post-delivery, the neonate showed blood type B positive, positive Coombs tests, and a moderate anti-B antibody titer.
Findings:
- Maternal blood type was O positive with a very high immunoglobulin G (IgG) anti-B antibody titer (1:65,536).
- The findings confirm a severe case of fetal hydrops due to maternal-fetal ABO blood group incompatibility.
- Despite the severity, the neonate survived the condition.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for severe fetal hydrops in ABO incompatibility, even with a normal fetal karyotype.
- It underscores the importance of monitoring antibody titers in Rh-negative mothers and considering ABO incompatibility in cases of unexplained hydrops fetalis.
- Successful neonatal survival in this severe case emphasizes the effectiveness of prompt diagnosis and management.