Rh antigen

L A. An Rh-negative mother can develop antibodies against the Rh antigen if she is exposed to the blood of an Rh-positive baby during pregnancy or birth. If no therapy is given, hemolytic anemia can occur in future Rh-positive babies. Rho(D) immune... 

BayRho-D Rh antigen on red blood Prevention of Rh hemolytic disease... 

Reports of delayed transfusion reactions continue to appear and confirm the difficulty of diagnosis. Many allo-antibodies responsible for delayed reactions of various severity have been demonstrated (61,63-69). The specificities include the usual Kidd and Rh antigens/anti-bodies and anti-S. Delayed reactions to the Kell antigens, for example Js(a,b), have been reported (68,69), and anti-FF(b) has also been found to cause a delayed reaction (63). A delayed reaction may occur because of anti-Al production from the group O graft and the reduction of suppressor cell activity by immunosuppressive agents (70). In sickle cell patients a more severe delayed transfusion reaction can be misdiagnosed as sickle cell crisis (71,72). This occurs particularly in patients with U variants (73). 

P. Agre and J-P. Cartron Molecular biology of Rh antigens. Blood 78, 551 (1991). 

The erythrocyte precursor cell types display a continuum of changes in shape, hemoglobin concentration, Rh antigen, and erythropoietin (EPO) receptor expression with maturity. However, mature erythrocytes express significantly lower EPO receptor density than do proerythroblasts. ... 

Methyldopa can cause hemolytic anemia. At least 20% of patients who receive methyldopa for a year develop a positive Coombs test (antiglobulin test) that is due to autoantibodies directed against the Rh antigen on erythrocytes. The development of a positive Coombs test is not necessarily an indication to stop treatment with methyldopa ... 

Methyldopa can cause hemolytic anemia. At least 20% of patients who receive methyldopa for a year develop a positive Coombs test due to autoantibodies directed against the Rh antigen on erythrocytes. This does not necessitate drug discontinuation 1—5% of these patients will develop a hemolytic anemia that mandates prompt drug discontinuation. The Coombs test may remain positive for as long as a year cffter discontinuation of methyldopa, but the hemolytic anemia usually resolves within a matter of weeks. Severe hemolysis may be attenuated by treatment with glucocorticoids. Rarer adverse effects include leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, red cell aplasia, lupus erythematosus—like syndrome, lichenoid and granulomatous skin eruptions, myocarditis, retroperitoneal fibrosis, pancreatitis, diarrhea, and malabsorption. 

Rh antigen An antigen found on some red blood cells, discovered in the cells of rhesus monkeys. Rheumatic fever. A multisystem disorder following infection by ji-hemolytic Streptococcus pyogenes that can cause heart damage. 

Glycoprotein antigens with ABH and Lewis blood-group specificities, as well as their immunogenic properties, biosynthesis, and occurrence in malignant cells and tissues, have been reviewed. The chemistry of the MN, P, I, J, and Rh antigens was also discussed. A survey of studies on the immunochemistry of water-soluble A, B, H, Le , and Le antigens and their precursors has also appeared. ... 

Rh Antigen An antigen found on some red blood cells, discovered in the cells of Rhesus monkeys. 

Green, F. A., 1972, Erythrocyte membranes, lipids and Rh antigen activity, /. Biol. Chem. 247 881. 

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