Prevalence of RhD variants, confirmed by molecular genotyping, in a multiethnic prenatal population

Am J Clin Pathol. 2010 Sep;134(3):438-42. doi: 10.1309/AJCPSXN9HQ4DELJE.

Abstract

RhD determination in pregnant women is critical to facilitate Rh immune globulin prophylaxis for RhD-negative women. A single amino acid change in the RhD antigen can cause epitope loss, giving rise to "partial D" variants. Women with some partial D variants may develop anti-D against the missing epitope after pregnancy. RBCs with partial D may type as D-positive or D-negative depending on the reagent used. We screened routine blood bank samples from 501 prenatal patients for RhD variants by 3 commercially available serologic methods. Discordant serologic results were found in 11 cases. Weak D (n = 5) and partial D (n = 5) variants were confirmed by molecular genotyping in all but 1 case. RhD variants, confirmed molecularly, occur in 2.2% of our multiethnic population. Consideration of patients' ethnic background and close cooperation between pathologists and obstetric providers facilitate optimal prenatal care in these cases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Asian
  • Black People
  • Black or African American
  • Brazil / ethnology
  • Female
  • Genetic Variation
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Portugal / ethnology
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Trimester, First
  • Pregnancy Trimester, Second
  • Pregnancy Trimester, Third
  • Prospective Studies
  • Racial Groups*
  • Rh-Hr Blood-Group System / genetics*
  • United States
  • White People
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Rh-Hr Blood-Group System
  • Rho(D) antigen