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Updated: Aug 2, 2026
06:29
Methods for Quantitative Detection of Antibody-induced Complement Activation on Red Blood Cells
Published on: January 29, 2014
Red cell autoantibody production in utero: a case report
B S Erler1, L Smith, D McQuiston
1Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California.
Transfusion
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Fetal autoantibody production against red blood cells in utero is rare but possible. This case study shows a newborn with a positive direct antiglobulin test who did not experience significant hemolysis.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neonatal Medicine
- Hematology
Background:
- Fetal autoantibody production is considered highly improbable.
- Previous literature documented only one potential instance of in utero autoantibody formation against fetal red blood cells.
Observation:
- A newborn presented with a positive direct antiglobulin test (DAT).
- Maternal blood tests were negative for alloantibodies and autoantibodies.
- The infant showed no signs of significant hemolysis at birth.
Findings:
- The infant's DAT remained strongly positive at 6 weeks postpartum.
- Despite the positive DAT, the infant exhibited normal growth and no clinical signs of hemolysis.
- The DAT became negative by 6 months of age.
Implications:
- This case suggests that in utero autoantibody production against red cells can occur, albeit rarely.
- The absence of hemolysis indicates that fetal autoantibody production may not always lead to significant clinical consequences.
- Further research is warranted to understand the mechanisms and clinical significance of fetal autoantibody production.
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