Exchange transfusions and top‐up transfusions in neonates with Kell haemolytic disease compared to Rh D haemolytic disease

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate neonatal outcome in Kell haemolytic disease compared to Rh D haemolytic disease. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study of all (near)-term neonates with Kell (n=34) and Rh D haemolytic disease (n=157) admitted to our centre between January 2000 and December 2008. We recorded the need for exchange transfusion and top-up transfusions up to 3 months of age. RESULTS: Neonates in the Kell group required less days of phototherapy than neonates in the Rh D group [2.4 vs. 4.1 days, respectively (P<0.01)]. The percentage of neonates requiring an exchange transfusion was lower in the Kell group than in the Rh D group [6% (2/34) and 62% (98/157), respectively (P<0.01)]. The percentage of neonates in the Kell group and Rh D group requiring a top-up transfusion was 62% (21/34) and 72% (113/157), respectively (P=0.20). The median number of top-up transfusions per neonate in the Kell group and Rh D group was 1 [interquartile range (IQR) 0-2] and 2(IQR 0-2), respectively (P=0.07). CONCLUSION: Neonates with Kell haemolytic disease require less phototherapy and less exchange transfusions compared to neonates with Rh D haemolytic disease, but an equal number of top-up transfusions.