Severe neonatal neutropenia due to anti-human leucocyte antigen B49 alloimmunization only: a case report

Transfus Med. 2003 Aug;13(4):233-7. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-3148.2003.00446.x.

Abstract

Alloimmune neonatal neutropenia (ANN) is a rare but potentially life-threatening disorder of neonates. Demonstration of alloantibodies against granulocyte-specific antigens shared by neonatal and paternal granulocytes in the maternal serum is essential in the diagnosis of ANN. In contrast to granulocyte-specific alloantibodies, the significance of human leucocyte antigen (HLA) class I antibodies for ANN is still a matter of debate. We report on a case of severe isolated and prolonged neutropenia due to anti-HLA B49 alloimmunization only. Immediately after birth, severe, isolated neutropenia was observed and lasted for up to 2 months. Results of serologic testing showed only anti-HLA B49 antibodies in the maternal and neonate's sera. HLA typing showed HLA class I (B49) incompatibility between the mother and the child. Granulocyte-specific antibodies were not detected. Adsorption of the maternal serum with HLA B49-bearing platelets removed serum reactivity with paternal neutrophils. Our results support the idea that certain HLA class I antibodies can induce ANN.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Genotype
  • Granulocytes / immunology*
  • HLA-B Antigens / genetics
  • HLA-B Antigens / immunology*
  • Histocompatibility Testing
  • Humans
  • Immunization
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Isoantibodies / blood
  • Isoantibodies / immunology*
  • Male
  • Maternal-Fetal Exchange
  • Neutropenia / congenital*
  • Neutropenia / immunology
  • Pregnancy

Substances

  • HLA-B Antigens
  • HLA-B*49 antigen
  • Isoantibodies