Specific Antibodies Compared to Cross-Reacting Antibodies in ABO Incompatibility

Abstract. The purpose of the present work was to determine the significance of specific antibodies, as compared to cross-reacting antibodies in causing the hemolytic disease of the newborn in cases of ABO incompatibility. Fifteen cases of severe icterus, including twelve who had received exchange transfusion and two cases of ante partum fetal death, were investigated. The amount of anti A, anti B, and cross-reacting antibodies was assayed in maternal blood within 48 h after delivery. Specific antibodies were found more consistently and in higher titres than cross-reacting antibodies. It therefore seems reasonable to assume that these are the antibodies responsible for the development of the disease in the newborn in our cases.