case report of recurrent hydrops fetalis due to maternal alloimmunization with Kell antigen

ABSTRACT

During pregnancy, irregular blood group antibodies originating either from earlier pregnancies or from blood transfusions may severely affect child health. In this report, a case of maternal alloimmunization to Kell antigen is described.The mother had a history of partial mole and four repeated intrauterine fetal death due to hydrops fetalis.Screening of irregular blood group antibodies revealed that she has anti-Kell with the titer of 14096. Also in genetic analysis, a C677T homozygous mutation of MTHFR gene was found, which could potentially enhance destructive effects of anti-Kell antibody. The described case emphasizes the importance of being informed about the presence of irregular blood group antibodies during pregnancy which may cause recurrent hydrops