kell question

what are the dangers to the baby if the mother has a kell antibody titer of 32?  is there a chance that it won't effect the fetus at all?  would you suggest another  pregnancy with this titer?

[Keith Downing, MD]

Hello,

I don't know if you are currently pregnant or considering it but I'd say the following:

The titer of anti-Kell antibody in maternal serum and the amniotic fluid bilirubin level do not correlate well with the degree of fetal anemia.  So the impact on fetal anemia and red blood cell production may be hard to determine by the titer alone.  That said, 32 is quite high and is concerning.  Sonographic evaluation of the fetus if you are pregnant will help determine the status of the pregnancy.

I would refer you to a high risk obstetrician regarding the risks in a future pregnancy.  One of the things important to know will be the Kell status of the father of the baby.  That will determine the possible Kell status of the fetus, which will help discern the risk in a future pregnancy.

Best regards,

Dr. Downing

[Julie0909]

A related discussion, Kell was started.

[tree381]

A related discussion, pregnant with antibody k was started.