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A Case of Weak D Serologic Phenotype. WMJ 2024 Feb;123(1):56-58

Date

03/04/2024

Pubmed ID

38436642

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-85186568156 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Rh D alloimmunization is the serologic response that occurs when Rh D-negative patients are exposed to Rh D-positive blood. Rh D blood typing is recommended in pregnancy to prevent alloimmunization.

CASE PRESENTATION: A 27-year-old gravida 3, para 2012 (G3P2012) previously Rh D-negative female presented with discordant and weakly positive Rh D blood typing results. Confirmatory genetic testing revealed weak D phenotype that can be treated clinically as Rh D-positive.

DISCUSSION: Genetic variants of Rh D can cause varied blood typing results depending on the hospital reporting protocol utilized. If labeled as Rh D-negative, this could lead to unnecessary administration of Rh D immunoglobulin in pregnancy. Genetic variants should be suspected when patients are noted to have blood typing results that are discordant or weakly positive.

CONCLUSIONS: Rh D genotyping should be considered when discordant or weakly positive Rh D blood type results are noted in order to confirm and classify genetic subtype.

Author List

Boshoven AM, Verhagen L

Author

Alice Boshoven MD Assistant Professor in the Family Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin




MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adult
Female
Genetic Testing
Gravidity
Humans
Phenotype
Pregnancy