Matthew Kim 2 Posted February 9 (edited) Anti-C and anti-e were identified in our patient and his DAT was 3+positive for IgG without previous transfusion history. His RBCs were typed as R1R2. Therefore, we suspect that auto-anti-C+e were present in his blood. I heard his antibodies could be autoantibodies mimicking anti-C and anti-e. Does anyone know the concept of autoantibodies mimicking specificity and the effective method to differentiate from just autoantibodies in detail? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks Edited February 9 by Matthew Kim Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Malcolm Needs ★ 3,955 Posted February 9 Most warm auto-antibodies have a specificity within the Rh Blood Group System, although some others, more rarely, have a specificity outside of this system, such as auto-anti-Wrb. Most of the auto-antibodies from within the Rh Blood Group System mimic anti-e, anti-E, anti-C, anti-c or a combination (or even a compound antibody, such as anti-Ce or anti-Rh7), but, in reality, they are actually weak forms of anti-Rh17 and/or anti-Rh18, although strong examples are not unknown). As they are usually mimicking antibodies, they can usually be adsorbed out with red cells that do not actually express the actual antigen on their surface (for example, an apparent anti-e can be adsorbed out using R2R2 red cells). PLEASE DO NOT try to identify them yourself, as the actual specificity is not significant, but will take an awful lot of time and you will require some VERY rare red cells, such as Rhnull, D--/D-- and the like, and these should be reserved for when they are required to identify the specificity of rare allo-antibodies, such as anti-Hr, anti-HrB or anti-Rh29, where a true specificity may well be vital to identify. In contrast, most "cold" auto-antibodies are true specificities. For more information, you would find it hard to beat reading, Petz LD and Garratty G. Immune Hemolytic Anemias, 2nd edition, Churchill-Livingstone, 2004, although I would advise you to be selective, as it is a very detailed book! 3 1 Henrique, David Saikin, gagpinks and 1 other reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Matthew Kim 2 Posted February 10 Thank you, Malcolm I admire you clear answer. I also appreciate your recommendation on the book, Immune Hemolytic Anemias. I will definitely read it. 1 Malcolm Needs reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
