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Multiples
twins born at 36 wks
positive for antibody E
So I just learned that I acquired antibody E from the blood transfusions I received after delivering the twins. My doctor seemed somewhat concerned - she said in high concentrations, the antibody basically targets the baby and can lead to fetal anemia.
My concentration was low (1:2) which is good, but she said we'll be doing follow up blood work throughout the pregnancy to watch it.
I'm admittedly freaked out - I just never imagined there being any complications with this pregnancy. I haven't done any real "research" so I don't know if I should be scared or not.
Anybody experienced this or have insight?
twins born at 36 wks
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Re: positive for antibody E
Oh dear... I hope all goes well for you! It sounds promising that your concentration was low, so stay positive and try not to freak out : ) I will say a little prayer for your baby.
This is interesting to hear because I had 3 blood transfusions back in April. I've wondered about how it affects donating blood, future issues with pregnancies, etc. I also haven't looked into it.
Thanks so much. I've been scouring the net, but there's not a ton out there. Apparently it's not super common.
There's always the chance the levels will stay low, and it will be a total normal pregnancy, but if my levels reach a certain threshold later in pregnancy, they will actually give interuterine transfusions to the baby (as many as needed) up until 34 wks and then deliver, and there's a laundry list of other risks to the baby.
The baby was also measuring a bit more behind today too, which scares me. Doc said heartbeat looks good though and says we're ok.
I don't understand how this whole thing works and certainly don't want to go donating my blood - not with this antibody thing....
Hi,
I work in a blood bank that tests for antibodies in pregnant women so hopefully I can offer some insight (although I'm sure your doctor told you some of the same things).
When it comes to pregnancy, most people are more familiar with "Rh" (google that and you'll get tons of information). The antibody you developed (one of the most common we see following blood transfusions) targets red cell antigens (the E antigen) and can cross from your blood stream to your baby's blood stream and target his/her cells causing the anemia. As long as your level (titer) stays low, the risk is lower that the baby will develop severe anemia. Do you know if they're going to test the father to determine if he is positive for the E antigen? If he lacks the E antigen, then your baby will also lack the E antigen and there won't be anything on the baby's cells for the antibody to attack. Does that make sense?
They should be checking your titers every 4 weeks or so. Don't start to panic at the number. The titer is done in a serial dilution, so it will go 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, etc. At our hospital, we want patients to be below 32.
I hope I offered you some more clarity. Good luck with your pregnancy!