Adverse effect of plasma exchange on anti-D production in rhesus immunisation owing to removal of inhibitory factors. Issue 6231 (28th June 1980)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Barclay, G R; Greiss, M A; Urbaniak, S J
• Is Part Of: BMJ. Volume 280:Issue 6231(1980)
• Page Start: 1569
• Page End: 1571
• Publication Date: 1980-06-28
• Subjects: Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine; Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1136/bmj.280.6231.1569
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1447

Abstract

Abstract : Intensive plasma exchange was used to reduce the maternal anti-D concentration in case of severe rhesus haemolytic disease. Initially the concentration fell from 30 to 4 IU/ml, but after six exchanges it increased to 490 IU/ml despite continued exchanges, and intrauterine fetal death eventually ensued. The increase in the rate of maternal anti-D production coincided with, and may have resulted from, removal of plasma immuno-regulatory factors that inhibited in-vitro lymphocyte functions. These results that the role of plasma exchange in haemolytic disease of the newborn is more complex than simply removing the antibody and that further investigations are needed.