Prevalence of alloantibodies among antenatal women attending a teaching hospital in central Kerala.

Introduction: Rh immunoprophylaxis has helped to decrease the prevalence of Rh D associated Haemolytic disease of New-born and Foetus. 50 different RBC antigens have been reported to be associated with HDFN. The current incidence of alloimmunization due to non-RhD antibodies in Western countries is 0.28-0.33%. A study on 707 neonates showed antigen-positivity and evidence of HDFN in 37%, with the most severe with DAT-positive anti-Rh antibodies, C, D, e, E. Early detection, monitoring, and planned interventions would help to prevent severe HDFN. Materials and Methods: The Study included 370 pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic of our hospital and excluded those with a history of transfusion, haemolytic disease, intrauterine bleeding or intrauterine death. Irregular antibodies were checked by the Indirect Coombs Test (ICT) using ID Diacell I-II-III, Diamed, Switzerland. Specific antibody identification was performed using ID Diapanel, Diamed, Switzerland. Statistical Analysis: Statistical analysis was done using IBM SPSS Statistics 20.0. Pearson's Chi-square test was applied. Odds ratio and their 95% CI were calculated. Results: Red cell antibody screening was positive in 3.5% (13). Antibodies identified as anti-D (30.8%), anti-c (15.4%), anti-C + D (15.4%), anti-K (15.4%), anti-Le b + Jka (7.7%), anti-E (7.7%), and anti-c + Jka (7.7%). Conclusion: The maternal alloimmunization prevalence was 3.5%. The potential for severe HDFN associated with antibodies such as anti-K, anti-E, and anti-c necessitates vigilant monitoring at the primary care level.