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Breast milk induced immune haemolytic disease of newborn due to anti-c: A case report
Aarushi Sahni1, Vasanthakumar Karumannan1, Lakhvinder Singh1
1Department of Transfusion Medicine, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India.
Insights
Hemolytic disease of fetus and newborn (HDFN) can cause severe anemia in infants. This case highlights that maternal antibodies in breast milk, specifically anti-c, can be a cause, necessitating evaluation of breastfeeding mothers.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Immunology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Hemolytic disease of fetus and newborn (HDFN) is a significant cause of neonatal anemia and hyperbilirubinemia.
- Timely diagnosis and management are crucial for improving infant outcomes.
Observation:
- A case of persistent neonatal anemia requiring frequent transfusions is presented.
- The anemia was attributed to hemolytic alloantibodies (anti-c) acquired passively through breast milk.
Findings:
- Passive transfer of maternal alloantibodies via breast milk can induce HDFN.
- Anti-c alloantibodies in breast milk were identified as the causative agent in this case.
Implications:
- Antenatal screening for red cell antibodies is increasingly important, especially in developing nations.
- Breast milk should be evaluated as a potential source of hemolytic alloantibodies in infants with HDFN.
- Mothers with serum alloantibodies require careful consideration regarding breastfeeding infants.
Background:
Hemolytic disease of fetus and newborn is a major risk factor for anemia and hyperbilirubinemia in newborns. Early identification and diagnosis can significantly improve neonatal health.
Case Report:
This report documents a case of hemolytic disease of fetus and newborn presenting as persistent neonatal anemia requiring frequent transfusion support. The underlying cause was determined to be the passive acquisition of hemolytic alloantibodies (anti-c) via breast milk.
Conclusion:
Importance of antenatal screening for red cell antibodies is gradually being recognized and adopted in developing countries to minimize the burden of HDFN. Breast milk should be considered as a potential source of hemolysing alloantibodies in newborns and may require evaluation in mothers with alloantibodies in her serum.
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