Red Cell Alloimmunization in Multi-Transfused Pregnant Women

Abstract

Though transfusion of whole blood and its components is an essential part of patient management in modern medicine, it is not without risks; one being the formation of antibodies against one or more erythrocyte antigens when exposed to the said antigen through transfusion, pregnancy or transplantation.The resultant Alloimmunization (due to genetic disparity between donor-recipient or mother-fetus RBC antigen) is much troublesome and limits the utility of transfusion. Thus screening and detection of clinically significant antibodies among antenatal women is merited.