Severe hydrops in Rh(D) positive mother due to antenatally diagnosed anti –c antibodies: First case report from India

Introduction: Rh hemolytic disease of newborn is the prototype of maternal isoimmunisation and fetal hemolytic disease. There are other minor blood group antigens capable of causing alloimmunisation and hemolytic disease such as c, C, E, Kell and Duffy. In India, after confirmation of blood group, antibodies are screened only in Rh (D) negative mothers with Rh (D) positive husband. Hydrops in Rh positive woman are investigated on lines of non immune hydrops. Case presentation: Here we report first case from India where irregular antibodies were requested in O positive mother to investigate fetal hydrops. Antic was revealed and fetus was treated with compatible O negative, c negative intrauterine blood transfusion successfully. Postnatally baby was treated with double volume exchange transfusion with same compatible blood and discharged on Day 30 of life. Conclusion: This highlights importance of screening women for irregular antibodies in bad obstetric history and fetal hydrops .This will assist in proper diagnosis and treatment of fetus with appropriate antigen negative cross matched compatible blood for successful outcome. Anti-c immunoglobulin is not available yet.