Red blood cell alloimmunization and prevalence of human blood groups among pregnant women in Al-Madina region, Saudi Arabia

Author : Raed Felimban, Roaa Alahmadi, Ahmed Bukhari

Abstract :Background: Alloimmunization is defined by the development of an immune response following exposure to foreign antigens, which could result in a variety of complications. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of ABO, Rh blood group, and red blood cell alloimmunization alongside its clinical consequences amongst pregnant women in Al-Madina City, Saudi Arabia. Methods: This retrospective study involves data from pregnant women who attended MCH in Al-Madina City. Data was gathered from 961 women who had an antibody screening (2020-2024) as well as 2555 women who were screened for ABO and Rh blood groups in the year 2023. Results: The study showed an alloimmunization rate of 10.9%. The rate of antibodies found was the highest with anti-D (50.9%), followed by anti-c (5.7%), and anti-K (4.7%). The most prevailing blood group was O (49%), then A (28.3%), B (18.7%), and lastly AB (4%). Positive Rh cases accounted for 86%, with 13.4% being negative. Complications ranged from mild to severe, such as anemia, hydrops fetalis, and abortion. Conclusion: Failure to implement antibody screening as part of the routine maternal test would result in missed opportunities to detect these complications sooner and manage them more efficiently.

Keywords :Alloimmunization, Antibody screening, blood groups, pregnant.

Conference Name :International Conference on Hematology and Oncology - (ICHO-25)

Conference Place Al Ain, UAE

Conference Date 10th Apr 2025