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Research Paper | Medical Science | India | Volume 14 Issue 4, April 2025 | Popularity: 5.2 / 10
To Determine the Prevalence of Red Cell Alloimmunization among Antenatal Women at Tertiary Care Hospital in Western Rajasthan, India
Dr. Nitesh Swami, Dr. N. L. Mahawar, Dr. Sonam Alha, Dr. Rishi Mathur
Abstract: Introduction: Alloimmunization during pregnancy, particularly in women who are multigravida or have a history of adverse obstetric outcomes, poses significant risks, such as Hemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn (HDFN). Alloimmunization occurs when maternal antibodies are formed against fetal red blood cell antigens. Screening for these antibodies is essential, especially for women with previous blood transfusions or complications, as it helps in the prevention and management of HDFN. Despite the importance of screening, systematic antibody screening is not widely implemented in many parts of India, especially for non - Rh antibodies. Aim: To determine the seroprevalence of unexpected alloantibodies in antenatal women attending a tertiary care hospital in Western Rajasthan, India. Objectives: 1) To assess the prevalence of red cell alloimmunization among antenatal women. 2) To identify the specific antibodies in the detected cases of alloimmunization. 3) To determine the antibody titers. Materials and Methods: A prospective, hospital - based cross - sectional study was conducted at the Department of Immunohematology and Transfusion Medicine, Sardar Patel Medical College, Bikaner. The study involved 803 pregnant women who consented to participate. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, and blood samples were analyzed for ABO and Rh blood groups, antibody screening, and identification using automated and gel column agglutination techniques. Antibody titration was performed using the standard tube method. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS. Results and Observations: The study included 803 pregnant women with an average age of 25.82 years. Rh - positive women accounted for 93.4%, and the most common blood group was B (39.47%). The alloimmunization rate was 0.99%, with a higher rate of 7.54% in Rh - negative women compared to 0.53% in Rh - positive women. The most common antibody identified was Anti - D (50%), followed by Anti - C, Anti - c, Anti - e, and Anti - K (12.5% each). A history of blood transfusions (3.61%) and bad obstetric history (3.48%) were significantly associated with higher alloimmunization rates. Conclusion: The prevalence of red cell alloimmunization in this study was found to be 0.99%, with a notably higher rate among Rh - negative women. Anti - D was the most commonly identified antibody. Targeted screening for alloimmunization, particularly in Rh - negative women and those with a history of blood transfusions or bad obstetric history, is recommended. This could significantly reduce the risk of HDFN and improve maternal and fetal outcomes. However, due to limited resources in developing countries like India, universal antenatal antibody screening may not be feasible, but focused screening for high - risk groups is crucial.
Keywords: Alloimmunization, Antenatal women, Red cell antibodies, Rh - negative, Rh - ositive, ABO blood group
Edition: Volume 14 Issue 4, April 2025
Pages: 2422 - 2425
DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.21275/SR25422184231
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