AbstractIntroduction:Blood group antigens can be immunogenic in individuals in whom the corresponding antigen is absent on the red blood cells. This mismatch can occur during transfusion
or pregnancy. Aim of the Study: To estimate the prevalence of unexpected red cell antibodies in multigravida women requiring transfusion support. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in the department of Transfusion Medicine, over a period of one year from Nov. 2015 to Oct. 2016. The study was conducted on 414 blood samples of multigravida antenatal women requiring transfusion support. Data was entered into Microsoft excel and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 20). Results: During the study period, 414 multigravida women were screened for the presence of red cell alloantibodies. Majority in this study were in the age group of 26 to 30 years. Among the study population, 91.3% were Rh D positive and 8.7% were Rh D negative. Most of the study population belonged to the B positive blood group (29.47%). Most of the mothers were in gravida 2. The overall prevalence of unexpected red cell antibodies in multigravida women was 1.69% [Antibodies identified were Anti D (57.14%), Anti s, Anti Fyb, Anti D & C]. Conclusions:etection and identification of red cell antibodies in patients before transfusion is important to avoid the formation of antigen antibody complexes in vivo which would lessen the survival of the transfused cells.
Keywords: Unexpected Red Cell Antibodies; Antibody Screening; Blood Transfusion.