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Which of the following antibodies have not been known to cause hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn?

Options:

OPTION 1: Anti-Rh(D) antibodies
OPTION 2: Anti-A antibodies
OPTION 3: Anti-B antibodies
OPTION 4: Anti-A and Anti-B antibodies

User Nick Foote
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

Anti-A and anti-B antibodies from the ABO blood group system, unlike anti-Rh(D) antibodies, are not known to cause hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn because they do not typically cross the placenta in a way that causes the disease.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question addresses which antibodies are not known to cause hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDN). HDN can occur when a pregnant individual who is Rh-negative (Rh-) carries an Rh-positive (Rh+) fetus, leading to the possible production of anti-Rh antibodies during or after the first pregnancy. If there is a subsequent pregnancy with another Rh+ fetus, these antibodies can cross the placenta and cause destruction of the fetal red blood cells, resulting in HDN. Anti-Rh(D) antibodies, option 1, are indeed known to cause HDN if sensitization has occurred.

In contrast, anti-A and anti-B antibodies, which arise from the ABO blood group system, are typically preformed and do not cross the placenta in such a way as to cause HDN. Therefore, options 2 and 3 (anti-A antibodies and anti-B antibodies, respectively) as well as option 4 (both anti-A and anti-B antibodies) are not known to cause HDN.

Correct Answer-

The antibodies not known to cause hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn are anti-A and anti-B antibodies (Option 4).

User Gannet
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