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Irregular antibodies?
Hugabunch posted:
I currently live in Germany with my husband who is serving in the military. I am 28 weeks pregnant with my second son. I recently went my OB who is a German doctor on the economy. I love her and have never had issues, but during the appointment she informed me that I have an irregular antibody that needs to monitored. She told me it doesn't have to do with a difference in RH factor. My blood type is O pos. However it is concerning enough that when I go back to the states the doctors need to know. With her somewhat broken English it is the first time I have felt concerned and even after several questions still feel like I never got an answer with the language barrier. Does anyone know what could cause this? Is it something wrong with me and are there other reasons for an irregular antibody that can harm the baby? What happens if and when the levels increase? Should I be concerned? Is there something specific I should ask her or more tests they should run that maybe they haven't?
1 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Irregular antibodies?I currently live in Germany with my husband who is serving in the military. I am 28 weeks pregnant with my second son. I recently went my OB who is a German doctor on the economy. I love her and have never had issues, but during the appointment she informed me that I have an irregular antibody that needs to monitored. She told me it doesn't have to do with a difference in RH factor. My blood type is O pos. However it is concerning enough that when I go back to the states the doctors need to know. With her somewhat broken English it is the first time I have felt concerned and even after several questions still feel like I never got an answer with the language barrier. Does anyone know what could cause this? Is it something wrong with me and are there other reasons for an irregular antibody that can harm the baby? What happens if and when the levels increase? Should I be concerned? Is there something specific I should ask her or more tests they should run that maybe they haven't?
Robert O Atlas, MD responded:
First of all, thank you for the dedication your family is making for the safety of all of us back home. We appreciate all you have done and will do for the good ole USA.
Now, on to your question. It is an important one. There are a number of different antigens attached to the red blood cells in our body. One of them is the Rh factor (D). There are 30 or more other antigens (Kell, Kidd, Duffy, Lewis are examples). Depending on which antibody you have will depend on the risk. The most common cause of developing this issue is related to one of two possibilities, One is you received a blood transfusion and the blood given had an antigen you do not have and your body then made antibodies against it. The other is your husband has an antigen which you do not have and therefore, caused you to get the antibody.
I would try and find out what the antibody is. Then you will want to know what the "titer" is. Your husband should have blood drawn to test for his blood group antigens to see if he has the antigens. If he does not, you have nothing to worry about. If he does then you need to be followed very carefully by a high risk physician as well as the OB.
I would be more than happy to review what your antibody is and get back to you.
The risk is for the baby to get anemic (low blood count). This can be very dangerous as the baby could become so anemic, the baby would need a blood transfusion while it is still in your uterus.
So, it is important to get followed very carefully throughout the remainder of the pregnancy.
Good luck and god bless.
Now, on to your question. It is an important one. There are a number of different antigens attached to the red blood cells in our body. One of them is the Rh factor (D). There are 30 or more other antigens (Kell, Kidd, Duffy, Lewis are examples). Depending on which antibody you have will depend on the risk. The most common cause of developing this issue is related to one of two possibilities, One is you received a blood transfusion and the blood given had an antigen you do not have and your body then made antibodies against it. The other is your husband has an antigen which you do not have and therefore, caused you to get the antibody.
I would try and find out what the antibody is. Then you will want to know what the "titer" is. Your husband should have blood drawn to test for his blood group antigens to see if he has the antigens. If he does not, you have nothing to worry about. If he does then you need to be followed very carefully by a high risk physician as well as the OB.
I would be more than happy to review what your antibody is and get back to you.
The risk is for the baby to get anemic (low blood count). This can be very dangerous as the baby could become so anemic, the baby would need a blood transfusion while it is still in your uterus.
So, it is important to get followed very carefully throughout the remainder of the pregnancy.
Good luck and god bless.
Report This| Share this:Irregular antibodies?First of all, thank you for the dedication your family is making for the safety of all of us back home. We appreciate all you have done and will do for the good ole USA.<br /> <br />Now, on to your question. It is an important one. There are a number of different antigens attached to the red blood cells in our body. One of them is the Rh factor (D). There are 30 or more other antigens (Kell, Kidd, Duffy, Lewis are examples). Depending on which antibody you have will depend on the risk. The most common cause of developing this issue is related to one of two possibilities, One is you received a blood transfusion and the blood given had an antigen you do not have and your body then made antibodies against it. The other is your husband has an antigen which you do not have and therefore, caused you to get the antibody.<br /> <br />I would try and find out what the antibody is. Then you will want to know what the "titer" is. Your husband should have blood drawn to test for his blood group antigens to see if he has the antigens. If he does not, you have nothing to worry about. If he does then you need to be followed very carefully by a high risk physician as well as the OB. <br /> <br />I would be more than happy to review what your antibody is and get back to you. <br /> <br />The risk is for the baby to get anemic (low blood count). This can be very dangerous as the baby could become so anemic, the baby would need a blood transfusion while it is still in your uterus. <br /> <br />So, it is important to get followed very carefully throughout the remainder of the pregnancy. <br /> <br />Good luck and god bless.
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