Severe Neonatal Hemolysis Due to a Maternal Antibody to the Low-Frequency Rh Antigen C^w

ABSTRACT

C^w is a low-frequency antigen in the Rh blood group system with a prevalence of ~2% in whites. Although anti-C^w is not an uncommon antibody in pregnancy (0.1% incidence), clinically significant hemolytic disease of the newborn is highly unusual. We report the case of an infant with severe hyperbilirubinemia and persistent anemia due to a high-titer maternal C^w antibody. The medical literature relating to maternal C^w alloimmunization and neonatal outcome is also reviewed. In addition, recommendations are made regarding the management of pregnancies and newborns complicated by antibodies to C^w.

KEYWORDS

Hemolysis - hemolytic disease of the newborn - red blood cells

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