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ABO Incompatibility: A Comprehensive Overview

  • Writer: Mayta
    Mayta
  • Jul 18, 2024
  • 3 min read

Introduction

ABO incompatibility is a condition that arises when a person receives blood with an incompatible ABO blood type, leading to an immune response against the transfused blood cells. This condition can also occur in newborns when there is an incompatibility between the mother's and the fetus's blood types. Understanding the mechanisms, diagnosis, and management of ABO incompatibility is crucial for preventing and treating its potentially severe complications.

Pathophysiology

ABO blood groups are determined by the presence or absence of A and B antigens on the surface of red blood cells. The immune system can produce antibodies against A or B antigens that are not present in an individual's own blood. When ABO-incompatible blood is transfused, these antibodies bind to the transfused red blood cells, leading to hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells).

In newborns, maternal IgG antibodies can cross the placenta and attack the fetal red blood cells if the fetus has a different ABO blood type, leading to hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN).

Clinical Presentation

Newborns:

  • Early Jaundice: Jaundice within the first 24 hours of life.

  • Anemia: Due to hemolysis of red blood cells.

  • Hyperbilirubinemia: Elevated bilirubin levels as a result of hemolysis.

  • Hepatosplenomegaly: Enlargement of the liver and spleen.

  • Positive Direct Coombs Test: Indicates the presence of antibodies bound to red blood cells.

Adults (Post-Transfusion):

  • Fever and Chills: Common early symptoms.

  • Hemoglobinuria: Presence of hemoglobin in the urine.

  • Jaundice: Due to increased breakdown of red blood cells.

  • Hypotension: Low blood pressure, which can occur in severe cases.

  • Dyspnea: Shortness of breath.

  • Back Pain: A symptom of acute hemolysis.

  • Shock: In severe cases, leading to potential multi-organ failure.

Diagnosis

Direct Coombs Test (Direct Antiglobulin Test):

  • Purpose: Detects antibodies or complement proteins attached to the surface of red blood cells.

  • Procedure: A sample of the patient’s blood is mixed with Coombs reagent. Agglutination (clumping) indicates a positive result.

  • Interpretation: A positive result indicates the presence of antibodies or complement on red blood cells, suggesting hemolysis.

Indirect Coombs Test (Indirect Antiglobulin Test):

  • Purpose: Detects free antibodies in the serum that could react with red blood cells.

  • Procedure: The patient’s serum is mixed with donor red blood cells and Coombs reagent. Agglutination indicates a positive result.

  • Interpretation: A positive result indicates the presence of free antibodies in the serum, important for transfusion compatibility and antenatal screening.

Peripheral Blood Smear (PBS):

  • Findings: Presence of spherocytes and polychromasia, indicating hemolysis.

Laboratory Tests:

  • Blood Group Testing: To confirm ABO blood types of the donor and recipient or the mother and newborn.

  • Hemoglobin and Hematocrit: To assess for anemia.

  • Bilirubin Levels: To assess for hyperbilirubinemia in newborns.

Incidence in Newborns

  • Overall Incidence: Approximately 3-4% of all newborns.

  • ABO Incompatibility: 10-20% among newborns with ABO incompatibility.

  • Rh Incompatibility: Up to 95% in Rh-positive newborns born to sensitized Rh-negative mothers (before Rh immunoglobulin prophylaxis).

Management

Newborns:

  • Phototherapy: For treating jaundice by reducing bilirubin levels.

  • Exchange Transfusion: In severe cases to replace the newborn’s blood with compatible blood.

  • Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG): To reduce hemolysis.

Adults (Post-Transfusion):

  • Immediate Cessation of Transfusion: To prevent further hemolysis.

  • Supportive Care: Including hydration and maintaining urine output.

  • Compatible Blood Transfusion: If further transfusion is needed.

  • Monitoring: For complications like renal failure or shock.

Prevention

  • Blood Type Compatibility Testing: Before transfusion to ensure compatibility.

  • Rh Immunoglobulin Prophylaxis: For Rh-negative mothers to prevent sensitization and subsequent hemolytic disease of the newborn.

Conclusion

ABO incompatibility is a significant condition that requires prompt diagnosis and management to prevent severe complications. Understanding the mechanisms, clinical presentations, diagnostic methods, and management strategies is crucial for healthcare providers. With proper prevention and treatment protocols, the risks associated with ABO incompatibility can be significantly reduced, ensuring better outcomes for affected individuals.

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Post: Blog2_Post

Message for International Readers
Understanding My Medical Context in Thailand

By Uniqcret, M.D.
 

Dear readers,
 

My name is Uniqcret, which is my pen name used in all my medical writings. I am a Doctor of Medicine trained and currently practicing in Thailand, a developing country in Southeast Asia.
 

The medical training environment in Thailand is vastly different from that of Western countries. Our education system heavily emphasizes rote memorization—those who excel are often seen as "walking encyclopedias." Unfortunately, those who question, critically analyze, or solve problems efficiently may sometimes be overlooked, despite having exceptional clinical thinking skills.
 

One key difference is in patient access. In Thailand, patients can walk directly into tertiary care centers without going through a referral system or primary care gatekeeping. This creates an intense clinical workload for doctors and trainees alike. From the age of 20, I was already seeing real patients, performing procedures, and assisting in operations—not in simulations, but in live clinical situations. Long work hours, sometimes exceeding 48 hours without sleep, are considered normal for young doctors here.
 

Many of the insights I share are based on first-hand experiences, feedback from attending physicians, and real clinical practice. In our culture, teaching often involves intense feedback—what we call "โดนซอย" (being sliced). While this may seem harsh, it pushes us to grow stronger, think faster, and become more capable under pressure. You could say our motto is “no pain, no gain.”
 

Please be aware that while my articles may contain clinically accurate insights, they are not always suitable as direct references for academic papers, as some content is generated through AI support based on my knowledge and clinical exposure. If you wish to use the content for academic or clinical reference, I strongly recommend cross-verifying it with high-quality sources or databases. You may even copy sections of my articles into AI tools or search engines to find original sources for further reading.
 

I believe that my knowledge—built from real clinical experience in a high-intensity, under-resourced healthcare system—can offer valuable perspectives that are hard to find in textbooks. Whether you're a student, clinician, or educator, I hope my content adds insight and value to your journey.
 

With respect and solidarity,

Uniqcret, M.D.

Physician | Educator | Writer
Thailand

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