The presence of antibodies in anti-Lewis system in our pregnant women

In this paper we have shown 3625 testing blood samples of pregnant women from 2005 to 2010 on the presence of irregular antibodies in Lewis system, which was done by routine methods, and by using appropriate “screening” tests and the panel for identification of antibodies. In addition to other antibodies, anti-Lewis antibodies were found in 0.2%, as follows: anti- Lea in 5, anti- Leb in 2, but anti- Lea+b weren’t found. We have confirmed that the phenotype Le (a-b-) in pregnant women is significantly more active versus tested population. If the anti- Lea antibodies (IgM class) are harmless, the rare anti- Leb antibodies (IgG class) could be dangerous for the fetus. Although the clinical significance of anti-Le antibody has not been fully proven, and although their immunogenicity is low, we suggest test these antibodies in all pregnant women in relationship to their essential role in the transfusions, the sensitization of the fetus and the risk of hemolysis.