Anyone know anything about anti-Jka antibody

[tjtheminx]

Hi
I am 25 weeks with DS2 and have the Jka antibody. I am living in the US at the moment but presume the procedure for management is the same as in the UK.

At the moment I am having MCA dopplers done every two weeks ( everything ok so far) and titres checked every 3 -4 weeks. The titres are rising, most recent one is 1 in 32.

I have asked my OB and perinatologist what the plan is but they are very vague ( downright rude actually : "the plan is we are going to do MCA dopplers every two weeks!")
I have read though that the dopplers are not reliable after 35 weeks.
Do they normally induce or do a c-section then??
What if the titres keep rising?
I also read that it is preferable to deliver the baby rather than do an intauterine transfusion? Is this true?

Again I have asked my docs these question but the answer is always the same: "it depends....."
I understand their reticence to answer if something goes wrong this early as the baby is unlikely to survive if born too early but am approaching 26 weeks so really I'd like to know the plan now ( that is if they have one)

Sorry, I am also ranting!!
Does anyone have any experience of this or any other antibody isoimmunisation ?
Do they ever let the preg go to full term?

Please let me know. Getting no info from the professionals.

Thanks

No idea about this but bumping for you - maybe the evening crowd will have some answers

Thanks... anybody??

Hi Tj - not exactly the same but I was found to have anti k antibody in this, my most recent pregnancy.

I was given the whole spiel of dopplers, scans, early delivery and worst case scenario intrauterine transfusion at every midwife visit from when I was diagnosed (19 weeks) until... they tested my DH and found that his blood held no incompatibilities! At that stage, the whole issue just disappeared and we even found ourselves having to remind medical staff of my unusual blood status.

I've not heard of the antibody in question, but would just ask if your partner status is a factor in all this? Mine was, and earlier testing would have saved a whole lot of agony on our part.

Could be that this has no impact on your particular antibody, but I wish you all the best for a safe and well managed pregnancy.

Thanks ShangriLa,
apparently no need to test DH as it wouldn't change things.
from my own research it looks like this antibody doesn't always cause haemolysis but on the rare occasions it does it can be severe hence the caution.
had another scan today and all fine luckily. I asked again if they are planning to do an early delivery and the git of a consultant said " Let the experts worry about that!"
Git.
I think that's my main issue- my consultant is a ponce. Doesn't help.

Hiya

I have the anti-E antibody, discovered in my first pregnancy. They monitored us closely, regular titres, scans etc., and were told if any indication of HDN from scans, or if titre went above a certain threshold (which they didn't divulge) then they would do an intra-uterine blood transfusion or else deliver early. As it happened I developed severe pre-eclampsia (HELLP syndrome) which when diagnosed at 30wks meant the immediate delivery of DS (by em cs). They discovered then that he was severely jaundiced due to my antibodies, so needed a blood transfusion and phototherapy (twice)- but the jaundice was also excacerbated by his prematurity. They didn't think the pre-eclampsia was related to the rising antibody levels.

In pregnancies 2 & 3 fortunately the titres did not rise significantly and DD1 & DD2 were fine (though again born a little early due to PE).

I hope your little one stays healthy and the titres don't rise too much- but so long as they are monitoring you both closely I'm sure they will act in good time should they feel they need to. Good luck x