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The Effect of the Kell Factor in Newborn Babies

Kell factor is a blood antigen that helps your body identify your blood cells as your own. Kell factor alone does not contribute to a baby's health or well-being, but when combined with maternal sensitization issues, Kell factor might cause severe blood disorders for newborns.

  1. Sensitization

    • Kell sensitization occurs when Kell antibodies are present in the blood of a Kell-negative woman. This happens if your blood has come into contact with Kell-positive blood during another pregnancy, causing your blood to create Kell antibodies, sparking an immune response that may destroy your baby's red blood cells.

    Effects

    • The destruction of your baby's red blood cells can result in severe effects. Kell-positive babies carried by Kell-sensitized mothers may experience anemia, jaundice, hemolytic disease, stillbirth and newborn death.

    Diagnosis

    • If you are Kell sensitized and you may be carrying a Kell-positive baby, your baby may be tested with serial ultrasounds and testing of amniotic fluid, which looks for red blood cell destruction in your baby.

    Treatment

    • Depending on the result of testing, your baby may require early delivery and immediate transfusions. Your doctor may opt for an intrauterine transfusion, which can be done before birth. After birth, your baby will be watched closely for anemia and jaundice, or the more serious hemolytic disease of the newborn called fetal hydrops.

    Prognosis

    • If Kell factor issues are caught prenatally, outcome for the baby is good. With testing of amniotic fluid and ultrasound doctors are able to quickly step in and transfuse a struggling baby to prevent more serious side effects from occurring.

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