Management of a pregnant woman with anti-holley alloantibody

Holley (Hy) is a high-incidence antigen of the Dombrock blood group system (ISBT 014), present in almost 100% of most populations and more than 99% of Blacks. Since anti-Hy is an extremely rare antibody, data on its clinical relevance and in particular on a possible hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) are scarce.

The pregnant patient underwent two autologous whole blood collections at weeks 17 and 19 of gestation with cryopreservation. In our case autologous whole blood collection was well tolerated. There were no signs of HDFN in the healthy newborn.

Our case improves our understanding of anti-Hy alloantibodies during pregnancy. Additionally, autologous whole blood collection of RBC units with cryopreservation is a safe and feasible way to manage pregnancies in women with rare alloantibodies, when no compatible donor can be found.