ORIGINAL: Rh Blood Group Antigens and Alloimmunization Risk of Pregnant Women in South Western, Nigeria

West Afr J Med April 2024; 41(4): 406-413 PMID: 39003512

Authors

  • F. A. Fasola Department of Haematology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
  • H. Y. Oladokun Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science (Haematology and Blood Transfusion Science), College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan.
  • O. O. Adesina Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National Institute of Maternal, Newborn and Child Health. College of Medicine, University of Ibadan.
  • O. O. Fasola Morgan State University, Department of Information Science and Systems.

Keywords:

Phenotype, Pregnant women, RBC alloantibodies, Rh blood group antigens

Abstract

Background: Rh blood group antigens are the second most important blood group antigens in clinical transfusion due to their immunogenicity and prevalence. Childbirth, miscarriage, and other obstetrics events are risk factors for alloimmunization in women which increases the likelihood of haemolytic blood transfusion reaction and hemolytic disease of the fetal/newborn (HDNF/B). Even though there are several data on the RhD status of our populations. However, there is a dearth of data on pregnant women's C, E, c, and e status, their alloimmunization risk, and rates in Nigeria.

Objectives: This study aims to provide information on the distribution of the Rh major antigens and risk factors for alloimmunization in pregnant women in southwestern Nigeria.

Materials and methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of 133 pregnant women attending routine ante-natal clinics. Questionnaires were administered to collect biodata and obstetrics history. ABO blood grouping and Rh phenotyping were carried out on their blood samples using RAPID LABS Monoclonal Rhesus Typing Reagent.

Results and discussion: Rh blood group antigen c was present in 100% of the women, followed by e (98.5%) and D (95.5%). C and E are the least prevalent antigens and probably the ones to which antibodies may be formed. The commonest Rh phenotype was Dce. Of all the pregnant women, alloimmunization was present in 0.8%. Of those who were RhD negative, alloimmunization was present in 16.7%. Pregnant women are more likely to be alloimmunized against C and E antigens than c and e antigens due to their low and high frequencies respectively.

Published

2024-04-30

Issue

Vol. 41 No. 4 (2024): The West African Journal of Medicine

Section

Articles
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