Genotypic Frequency of RHC Antigen in Women of Reproductive Age in Pakistan

Saima Bashir; Fahim Akhtar; Mohammad Abdul Naeem; Maria Khan; Sunila Tashfeen; Saleem Ahmed Khan

doi:10.51253/pafmj.v72i5.8470

Authors

Saima Bashir Army Medical College/National University of Medical Science (NUMS) Rawalpindi Pakistan
Fahim Akhtar Pak Emirates Military Hospital/National University Medical Science (NUMS) Rawalpindi Pakistan
Mohammad Abdul Naeem Combined Military Hospital, Lahore/National University of Medical Science (NUMS) Pakistan
Maria Khan Armed Forces Institute of Transfusion/National University of Medical Science (NUMS) Rawalpindi Pakistan
Sunila Tashfeen Pak Emirates Military Hospital/National University Medical Science (NUMS) Rawalpindi Pakistan
Saleem Ahmed Khan National University of Medical Science (NUMS) Rawalpindi Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51253/pafmj.v72i5.8470

Keywords:

Alloimmunization, Genotyping, Hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN), Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

Abstract

Objective: To determine the genotypic frequency of RHC antigen in females of reproductive age.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Armed Forces Institute of Transfusion (AFIT) and Pak Emirates Military Hospital, (PEMH) in collaboration with NUMS Pakistan, from Dec 2020 to Dec 2021.

Methodology: Females aged 16 to 45 years were recruited in the study. Demographic data, including age, parity, ethnicity etc.,was recorded on a proforma. Venous blood samples were collected in EDTA tubes, and DNA was extracted using 5% Chelex TM. A conventional Polymerase chain reaction and amplified products were subjected to Polyacrylamide Gel electrophoresis.

Results: Amongst 200 females, 172(86%) had the expression of RHC antigen, while 28(14%) were negative for the respective antigen. These results were valuable in predicting the risk of hemolytic disease in fetuses and newborns and alloimmunization in our population.

Conclusion: Females in the reproductive age group had RHC positivity of 86%. This data will help predict the risk of HDFN in future pregnancies and individuals at risk of alloimmunization in RHC-negative women.