DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2018.v06i08.016

Pages: 3026-3029

Hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) is caused by maternal antibodies formed against fetal antigens inherited from father. The Direct Coombs test (DCT) or direct antiglobulin test (DAT) is used as a tool for screening these allo-antibodies coating the RBCs and it is positive in various categories of immune hemolytic anemia. This study was conducted to assess the usefulness of cord blood DCT in Rh negative pregnancies in an Indian hospital scenario. This is a retrospective observational study of infants born to Rh negative mothers in south India in which cord blood investigations (Blood group and Direct Coombs test) were analysed. Of the total 1487 live born during the above period, 71 babies were at risk for Rh isoimmunisation. Of the 49 babies with Rh positive blood groups, DCT was positive in only one baby. Hence the 70 DCT tests did not influence management decision. This study suggests that routine cord blood DCT does not appear to be useful in Rh negative pregnancies with no antenatal evidence of isoimmunisation. Larger studies may be planned to provide more evidence as to whether to discontinue the practice of use of cord blood DCT in India.