Severe hemolytic disease from rhesus anti-C antibodies in a surrogate pregnancy after oocyte donation: A case report

Simon Mitchell*, Andrew James

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

16 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Maternal sensitization with rhesus anti-C antibodies is comparatively rare and usually benign. In pregnancies conceived using donor oocytes, the mother's blood group may differ from that of both the father and the oocyte donor, making blood group incompatibility more likely. CASE: Twins, the result of a surrogate pregnancy using donor oocytes, were born with severe hemolytic disease due to rhesus anti-C antibodies. Both infants required exchange transfusion for profound anemia at birth. Isoimmunization in the surrogate mother was not detected antenatally. The twins were delivered by emergency cesarean section due to fetal compromise, detected fortuitously when the mother attended for routine fetal assessment at 35 weeks' gestation. CONCLUSION: Isoimmunization with anti-C antibodies is not always benign and may cause significant hemolytic disease. With the success of in vitro fertilization and oocyte donation, more infertile couples may use these methods to conceive, with or without surrogacy arrangements. In such cases, the provision of antenatal care may become a complex matter, involving several parties, and good communication between everyone involved is vital. In pregnancies conceived with donor oocytes, there may be a higher risk of blood group incompatibility, and special vigilance is warranted. (J Reprod Med 1999;44: 388-390).

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)388-390
Number of pages3
JournalThe Journal of reproductive medicine
Volume44
Issue number4
Publication statusPublished - Apr 1999
Externally publishedYes

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