When anti-G and anti-C antibodies masquerade as anti-D antibody.

We describe a case of a pregnant woman with anti-C/anti-G antibodies masquerading as anti-D antibodies. Further, confirmation of anti-D antibody is recommended with adsorption-elution studies to confirm the true antibody status. This will avoid the consequence of withholding Rh immunoglobulin prophylaxis in cases when anti-D antibodies are not present.

Fatal hydrops fetalis caused by anti-D in a mother with partial D.

Background: Rare cases of hemolytic disease of the newborn occur in women with genetic variants of the D antigen. A partial D variant might be suspected when typing for the D antigen shows weaker-than-normal reactions (weak D). Historically, patients with a weak D phenotype have not been considered candidates for Rh immune globulin prophylaxis.