Hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn caused by anti‐Lan. Issue 5 (4th November 2013) - Brooks, Sarah
Abstract Background Antibodies to the high‐incidence red blood cell (RBC) antigen Lan (Langereis) are typically immunoglobulin G and have been shown to fix complement and cause hemolysis of Lan antigen–positive RBCs. Only three cases of hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) have been reported involving anti‐Lan and all have been characterized as "mild." Case Report A 26‐year‐old Hispanic female presented in her fifth pregnancy for routine obstetric care. Due to progressively rising anti‐Lan titers, middle cerebral artery (MCA) Dopplers were performed. At 32 weeks of gestation, the antibody titer had reached 128; the MCA Doppler indicated that fetal anemia was severe. An intrauterine transfusion with Lan antigen–negative RBCs was performed and a viable infant was delivered 25 days later. Discussion Three cases of HDFN associated with anti‐Lan have been previously reported. While these cases have been associated with somewhat variable serologic findings, none have resulted in fetal demise or severe symptomatology requiring pre‐ or postnatal intervention other than routine phototherapy. The current report, however, suggests that in some instances anti‐Lan can result in a more severe form of HDFN requiring more aggressive prenatal therapy. Conclusion In spite of previous case reports suggesting that anti‐Lan is associated with relatively mild HDFN, this case suggests that in some instances, this antibody can cause severe HDFN requiring prenatal intervention.