WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for December, 1997: Re: anti M antibodies

Re: anti M antibodies

From: Kelly (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Wed, 31 Dec 1997 21:09:49 -0600 (CST)

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In reply to: Brynn: "anti M antibodies"

At Wed, 31 Dec 1997, Brynn wrote: >
>I am 16 weeks pregnant and have been told that I have developed M
>antibodies in my blood. My husband has been tested and he is M
>positive. Our obstetrician has told us not to worry and is doing serial
>antibody titers every 4 weeks.
>
>I have read some info on Rh disease but haven't been able to find very
>much specific to M antibodies. Are antibody titres a reliable method of
>predicting risk?

Titers are very helpful -- if the titer stays less than 1:16 then there is very little risk to the baby. If the titer rises, you will need further testing (amniocentesis or fetal cord blood sampling)

What are the chances that I will need more invasive >testing done( i.e. amnio)

Sorry, I couldn't find any numbers on how many women who are sensitized (have a positive antibody screen) go on to have increasing antibody titers and subsequently the baby develops hydrops (fluid retention caused by the heart working too hard due to anemia from blood cells being destroyed by the antibodies) but it is VERY, VERY SMALL.

What are the long term effects on the child >of anemia? Is there any risk that this could cause future problems such
>as CP or decreased intelligence, even if well managed?

Hydrops if untreated and the baby is not delivered in a timely fashion can prove fatal. In babies who were appropriately treated, the vast majority (about 85% in one study I found) had no long term problems or developmental delays -- they were perfectly normal kids.

>
>If the titres stay within an acceptable range and the pregnancy is
>carried to term will the baby require any special intervention and if so
>by who?

It is unlikely the baby would need any treatment. The pediatrician would be the one following the baby and deciding on what tests and treatments would be considered after birth.

-- Kelly Shanahan, MD, FACOG S. Lake Tahoe, CA

note: Opinions here are for educational purposes only. This information is not intended to supplant the need for you to consult with your own physician. It cannot take the place of a face to face consultation and examination.

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In reply to: Brynn: "anti M antibodies"

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