K antibodies during pregnancy

Posted by Fiona Macdonald on May 24, 1999 at 16:58:15
I have K antibodies in my blood. Can anyone explain the relevance of this? What effects might this have on my baby, either before or after birth? If the father is K-negative, are risks greater or less?

Posted by hfhs.md.rcs on May 24, 1999 at 22:44:19
Dear Fiona Macdonald:
K antibodies are likely Kell antibodies. They have the ability to attack the red blood cells of babies that carry the Kell antigen.
If the husband does not carry the antigen, then he cannot pass it to the baby. Since mothers often have acquired the antibodies from transfusion in the past and are Kell negative themselves, this means the baby is at no risk. A heterozygote husband passes the antigen one half the time.
The levels of antibody in blood are followed during pregnancy and if necessary the amniotic fluid is studied to determine if the antibody is affecting the baby.
Keywords: Kell antibodies, pregnancy
This information is provided for education purposes and is not a medical consultation. If you have specific questions, please speak with your healthcare provider.

[nono11]

A related discussion, confused antibodies was started.