How to use: the direct antiglobulin test in newborns

Positive Direct Antiglobulin Test: Is It a Risk Factor for Significant Hyperbilirubinemia in Neonates with ABO Incompatibility?

OBJECTIVE

ABO blood group (ABO) incompatibility is a common cause of neonatal indirect hyperbilirubinemia. The direct antiglobulin test (DAT) can identify infants developing hemolytic disease. This study aims to evaluate the significance of DAT positivity among neonates with ABO incompatibility.

STUDY DESIGN

This retrospective study included 820 neonates with blood group A or B who were born to blood group O mothers. The study group consisted of neonates (n = 79) who had positive DAT, and the control group consisted of infants (n = 741) who had negative DAT. Demographic and clinical data of the neonates regarding jaundice were collected and compared statistically.

RESULTS

The bilirubin level at 24 hours of life (study group: 8 ± 2.6 mg/dL, control group: 6 ± 2.2 mg/dL, p < 0.001) and the highest bilirubin level (study group: 12.7 ± 3.6 mg/dL, control group: 10.4 ± 4.2 mg/dL, p < 0.001) were higher in infants with positive DAT. A total of 37 (46.8%) infants in the study group and 83 (11.2%) infants in the control group received phototherapy (PT) in the nursery (p < 0.001). In neonates with positive DAT, direct bilirubin level, duration of hospitalization, and PT in the nursery were higher (p = 0.002, <0.001, and <0.001, respectively), whereas hemoglobin level was lower (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

In neonates with ABO incompatibility, a positive DAT is a risk factor for developing significant hyperbilirubinemia. Close follow-up of newborn infants with ABO incompatibility is crucial for early detection and treatment of neonatal jaundice to avoid early and late complications.

KEY POINTS

· The clinical spectrum of ABO incompatibility varies widely.. · The ABO incompatibility with positive DAT are at greater risk for high bilirubin levels.. · Infants with blood group incompatibilities must be monitored closely..

Does strengths of a positive direct antiglobulin test predicts the need for phototherapy and duration of phototherapy? - a single center, retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Use of Direct Antiglobulin test (DAT) in management of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is conflicting.

OBJECTIVE

whether strength of positive DAT predicts the need for phototherapy, duration of phototherapy and need for major interventions.

METHODS

We retrospectively collected data on all DAT positive neonates with birth gestational age ≥32 weeks over six years (2014-2019). Data regarding blood group, DAT and clinical details were obtained from a hospital database. We also collected data on serial hemoglobin and other relevant laboratory parameters. We also collected data on infants receiving major interventions such as exchange transfusion, in-utero transfusion, immunoglobulins, and postnatal transfusion for the duration of the study period. All of these infants were electronically followed up for a period of 6 weeks. This study was approved by institutional audit authority. All the statistics were performed using SPSS software.

RESULTS

Out of 1285 DAT tests performed, only 91 infants were positive (7%), and 78 DAT positive infants were available for analysis. There were 54 infants with DAT (1+), 15 infants with DAT (2+), 7 infants with DAT (3+) and 2 infants with DAT (4+). There was no significant statistical difference in terms of need for phototherapy, duration of phototherapy, need for major interventions and hemoglobin levels at different time points between the groups (DAT 1+ Vs DAT ≥2+; DAT ≤2+ Vs DAT >2). A Total of 10 infants received major intervention, with one infant receiving all three interventions (DAT 3+ with significant maternal antibodies), 2 additional infants (both DAT1+) received exchange transfusion, 6 additional infants received immunoglobulin (2 infants: DAT 2+; 4 infants: DAT 1+) and one additional infant (DAT 1+) with significant maternal antibodies received a postnatal transfusion.

CONCLUSION

Strength of a DAT did not predict the need for phototherapy, duration of phototherapy, and the need for major hemolysis related intervention in the first 6 weeks of life.

Clinical value of combination detection of direct antiglobulin test and serum albumin globulin ratio in severe hyperbilirubinemia caused by ABO hemolytic disease of the newborn

Background To explore of a combination of antiglobulin test(DAT) and albumin globulin ratio(AGR) could predict the severity of ABO hemolytic disease of the newborn(ABO-HDN).Methods The measurement of DAT, AGR and combination detection of DAT and AGR was done to predict severe ABO-HDN hyperbilirubinemia in 270 full-term infants based on whether the infants received transfusions of blood components. The infants were divided into three groups according to the results of DAT and ARG and compared the differences of phototherapy day and hospitalization day of the three groups.Results Of the 270 cases enrolled in this study, 69 infants were DAT positive. Peak total bilirubin, AGR, and positive DAT were independently associated with the need for blood components transfusion. ROC curve analysis for blood components transfusion showed that DAT cutoff value >± with a sensitivity of 39.4% and a specificity of 83.9%, AGR cutoff value <2.05 with a sensitivity of 54.1% and a specificity of 85.7%, and combination detection of DAT and ARG with a sensitivity of 62.1% and a specificity of 91.2%. The AUCs for DAT, AGR, and combination detection of DAT and AGR were .621, .740, and .750 respectively. The phototherapy day and hospitalization day were significantly longer in group of AGR <2.05 and DAT >± than that of a group of AGR <2.05 and group of DAT >±.Conclusions DAT and ARG could be early predictors for the severity ABO-HDN hyperbilirubinemia and combination detection of DAT and AGR could further increase its predictive value.

Neonatal Blood Banking Practices

There is little formal guidance to direct neonatal blood banking practices and, as a result, practices vary widely across institutions. In this vulnerable patient population with a high transfusion burden, considerations for blood product selection include freshness, extended-storage media, pathogen inactivation, and other modifications. The authors discuss the potential unintended adverse impacts in the neonatal recipient. Concerns such as immunodeficiency, donor exposures, cytomegalovirus transmission, volume overload, transfusion-associated hyperkalemia, and passive hemolysis from ABO incompatibility have driven modifications of blood components to improve safety.

Rates of phototherapy among ABO-incompatible newborns with a negative direct antiglobulin test

OBJECTIVE

We analyze phototherapy rates after implementation of a Hyperbilirubinemia Clinical Pathway (HCP), which placed full-term ABOi DAT negative newborns on the low risk phototherapy nomogram, rather than medium risk, as previously done.

STUDY DESIGN

A chart review was performed for ABOi newborns born ≥36 weeks gestation between January 2020 and October 2021. Primary outcome measures were rates of phototherapy across pre- and post-intervention groups and among DAT negative newborns.

RESULTS

There was an increased proportion of newborns assigned to the low risk curve after the intervention. There were no significant differences in phototherapy rates among the intervention groups, although there was a non-significant decrease in phototherapy rates among DAT negative newborns after the intervention. There were no increases in adverse outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Providers adhered to the guidelines after implementation of the HCP. ABOi DAT negative newborns can be viewed as low risk for hyperbilirubinemia requiring phototherapy.

Immunohematological testing and transfusion management of the prenatal patient

The primary indication for immunohematological testing in the prenatal patient is to detect and identify maternal red cell antibodies. If there are antibodies that are expected to hemolyze the fetus' red cells, their strength of reactivity must be tested, and the fetus' antigen status determined. After delivery, testing is performed to assess the extent of fetomaternal hemorrhage, as a large hemorrhage may require other therapeutic interventions. Another major role for immunohematological testing is to select blood components appropriately when intrauterine transfusion is required for fetal anemia resulting from maternal alloimmunization or some other cause. Supplementation with molecular methods has transformed the practice of immunohematology, particularly as it applies to typing for the D antigen of the Rh blood group system. Notwithstanding the advances in testing, close coordination and communication between the transfusion service and the obstetrics service are the foundation for ensuring the finest care for prenatal patients, and for new mothers and their infants. This review describes testing and transfusion practices for prenatal patients, using case presentations to highlight the management of selected immunohematological findings. It also includes a discussion of key patient management topics that are currently unresolved.

ABO hemolytic disease of the newborn: a need for clarity and consistency in diagnosis

The diagnosis of ABO hemolytic disease of the newborn (ABO HDN) has been the subject of considerable debate and clinical confusion. Its use as an overarching default diagnosis for hyperbilirubinemia in all ABO incompatible neonates regardless of serological findings is problematic and lacks diagnostic precision. Data on hemolysis indexed by carbon monoxide (CO) levels in expired air (ETCOc) and blood (COHbc) support an essential role for a positive direct antiglobulin test (DAT) in making a more precise diagnosis of ABO HDN. A working definition that includes ABO incompatibility, significant neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, and a positive DAT is needed to gain clarity and consistency in the diagnosis of ABO HDN. Absent a positive DAT, the diagnosis of ABO HDN is suspect. Instead, a negative DAT in a severely hyperbilirubinemic ABO incompatible neonate should trigger an exhaustive search for an alternative cause, a search that may require the use of targeted gene panels.

Immunohematology testing using umbilical cord blood: review of the literature, survey of practice and guidance development

BACKGROUND

Following delivery, blood tests are performed on umbilical cord blood (CB) to avoid neonatal venipuncture. Despite widespread and longstanding CB testing, no guidelines exist to suggest which immunohematology tests should be performed on CB.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

We performed a scoping review, surveyed national practice, and developed guidance statements concerning CB testing. Database searches identified relevant articles. A survey was sent to all Canadian hospitals and transfusion laboratories that perform perinatal testing. A national panel of experts was convened to develop guidance statements.

RESULTS

A total of 116 articles met the inclusion criteria and were summarized. Literature on CB testing is limited; few studies have investigated laboratory testing methodologies or validated CB test results with peripheral samples. The survey was completed by 580/597 institutions (97%); 85% were community hospitals and 16% had a neonatal intensive care unit. There is diversity in the types of CB tests performed and variability in practice. While most centers order appropriately, some laboratories routinely perform CB tests that are not clinically indicated (e.g., direct antiglobulin testing for all neonates) and other do not perform CB tests when results would be beneficial (e.g., phenotype on CB when mother has a clinically significant antibody). Fifteen guidance statements were developed.

DISCUSSION

This study highlights variability in CB testing, likely reflecting evidence gaps, methodology differences between studies, and lack of guidelines. CB tests should only be performed when indicated and validated on this sample type. The presented guidance statements aim to standardize practice and encourage judicious CB sampling.

Direct antiglobulin test in the prediction of hyperbilirubinemia and predischarge bilirubin levels in infants with mother-infant blood type incompatibility

BACKGROUND

This research evaluated the association between the mother-infant blood type or rhesus (ABO or Rh) incompatibility, the pattern of neonatal jaundice, and serum bilirubin (TSB) values obtained prior to discharge from hospital of healthy born neonates with gestational age >34 weeks and birth weight >2000 g.

METHODS

We utilized a laboratory and neonatal database to identify the cord blood ABO/Rh and direct antiglobulin test (DAT) and TSB measured during hospitalization and re-admission with hyperbilirubinemia for phototherapy treatment. We used hour-specific TSB to analyze the TSB levels for ABO/Rh compatibility and isoimmunization using chi-square, analysis of variance, and regression models.

RESULTS

Of the 901 infants studied, 158 (17.5%) had ABO/Rh incompatibility, including 27 with positive DAT. Hyperbilirubinemia was diagnosed in 33.3% DAT positive, 6.9% DAT negative, and 4.6% of infants with compatible blood types. Increased predischarge TSB was observed in DAT positive infants at 48-72 h of postnatal age (P < 0.001). After controlling for age at TSB testing and weight loss percentage, multiple regression analysis did not show any impact of ABO/Rh incompatibility and DAT results on the predischarge TSB levels.

CONCLUSION

Blood type incompatibility increases the frequency of hyperbilirubinemia only in the DAT-positive infants. Irrespective of the isoimmunization status, it does not significantly affect the level of predischarge TSB.

Is it necessary to add the eluate testing to the direct antiglobulin test to improve the detection of maternal erythrocyte alloantibodies?

BACKGROUND

The screening of umbilical cord blood samples by the Direct Antiglobulin Test (DAT) is the reference tool for the identification of maternal erythrocyte alloantibodies present in erythrocytes; however, its diagnostic usefulness is controversial.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the diagnostic validity, safety, and efficiency of the eluate testing (detection of antibody in erythrocyte eluates by the Indirect Antiglobulin Test/IAT) in cord blood samples for detection of maternal erythrocyte alloantibodies in comparison with the DAT.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Evaluation study of diagnostic tests. DAT and eluate testing were performed in 306 cord blood samples from neonates born to mothers admitted at Clínica Somer in Rionegro, Colombia; then, antibodies present in the eluates were identified with erythrocyte panels. Percentage of positive results by DAT and IAT were compared with the Pearson's chi-square test and the agreement between both assays with the Cohen's kappa coefficient. The diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, safety, and efficiency of the eluate testing were calculated, taking into account the use of DAT as an imperfect reference test.

RESULTS

The DAT detected alloantibodies in 6.21% of samples and the eluate testing in 14.1 %; the strength of agreement between both tests was moderate (k = 0.56) due to 25 discrepancies. The eluate testing showed sensitivity and specificity of 98.83 % and 92.31 % respectively, and a negative predictive value of 99.9 %. The diagnostic efficiency was sufficient for detection of maternal erythrocyte alloantibodies. The antibodies identified in the erythrocyte eluates were anti-A or anti-B (79.5 %), anti-D (136%), anti-C (2,3%), and anti-Fya (2,3%).

CONCLUSION

The eluate testing in cord blood samples is a valid, safe, and efficient test for the diagnosis of maternal erythrocyte alloantibodies.

Maternal Blood Group and Routine Direct Antiglobulin Testing in Neonates: Is There a Role for Selective Neonatal Testing?

Recommendations for the screening of hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) advise taking a selective approach in using the direct antiglobulin test (DAT) for mothers with blood group O or RhD-negative. This study assessed the relation of DAT results to maternal and neonatal blood groups and evaluated the risk of HDN. A retrospective analysis of all healthy newborns admitted during 2018 was performed. Of 1463 newborns, 4.4% had a positive DAT. There were 541 (37%) maternal–neonatal pairs with ABO incompatibility, most commonly born to mothers with blood group O. The cohort of neonates born to mothers with blood group O was divided into three groups: the O-A and O-B groups and the O-O group as a control. The DAT was positive in 59 (8.3%) neonates; most were in the O-B group (49.2%), whereas 13.6% were in the control group (p < 0.01). While the neonates in the O-B group were more likely to require phototherapy (p = 0.03), this finding was not related to DAT results. We found that selective testing of mothers with blood group O, mothers with blood group O or RhD-negative, neonates with blood group B, and neonates with blood group B born to mothers with blood group O or RhD-negative was ineffective in detecting phototherapy requirements. Our results indicate no difference regarding the need for phototherapy in neonates born to mothers with different blood types regardless of the DAT results.

Survey of newborn direct antiglobulin testing practice in United States and Canadian transfusion services

BACKGROUND

We hypothesized that variability in practice exists for newborn immunohematology testing due to lack of consensus guidelines. We report the results of a survey assessing that variability at hospitals in the United States and Canada.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

An AABB Pediatric Subsection working party developed and validated a survey of newborn immunohematology testing practice. The survey was sent electronically to transfusion service leadership at teaching institutions.

RESULTS

The response rate was 67% (61/91); 56 surveys meeting inclusion criteria were analyzed. Approximately 90% (50/56) were from birth hospitals and 16.1% (9/56) were from pediatric hospitals. Newborn immunohematology testing is ordered as a panel by 66.0% (33/50) of birth hospitals. ABO group and DAT is mandated before discharge in 14/56 (25.0%) and 13/56 (23.2%), respectively. About 76.8% (43/56) selectively perform a DAT according to blood blank or clinical parameters. The most common DAT practices include anti-IgG only testing by 73.2% (41/56) and use of umbilical cord specimen type by 67.9% (38/56). A positive DAT is a critical value for 26.8% (15/56) and followed with eluate testing when a maternal antibody screen is positive for 48.2% (27/56). In the setting of a non-ABO maternal red cell antibody, 55.4% (31/56), phenotype neonatal red cells when the DAT is positive. Group O RBC are transfused irrespective of the DAT result for 82.1%, (46/56).

CONCLUSION

There is variability in newborn immunohematology testing and transfusion practice and potential overutilization of the DAT. Evidence-based consensus guidelines should be developed to standardize practice and to improve safety.

Value of the Direct Antiglobulin Test in Predicting the Need for Phototherapy in Newborns

Purpose

Guidelines for managing neonatal hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) recommend a selective approach in the use of direct antiglobulin test (DAT). In Saudi Arabia, many hospitals still perform routine DAT for all newborns. This study assessed the need for phototherapy in relation to DAT results in full-term healthy newborns.

Patients and Methods

A retrospective analysis of all healthy newborns admitted during 2018 was performed. The primary outcome was the association of positive DAT results with phototherapy.

Results

There were 1463 newborns born during the study period. The DAT was positive at 4.4%. The 24-hour bilirubin levels were higher in DAT-positive cases (P=0.06); however, peak bilirubin levels were not correlated with the DAT results (P=0.717). Thirty-six neonates (2.46%) required phototherapy, and the need was similar among DAT-positive and DAT-negative cases (P=0.271). The most common indication for phototherapy was clinical jaundice in 22 neonates (61.1%), followed by DAT positivity in 12 (33.3%) and hospital protocol in 2 patients (5.6%) (P <0.01 by chi-square overall comparison).

Conclusion

Our results indicate that factors other than DAT positivity are important in assessing the need for phototherapy in newborns. Clinical signs of jaundice were indicators of high serum bilirubin levels and subsequent phototherapy, further indicating that the DAT test was overused in predicting the need for phototherapy.

An Automated Method for Direct Antiglobulin Testing and the Resulting Amount of Phototherapy Used at a Large Academic Medical Center

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate how clinical practice was affected by the change in direct antiglobulin testing (DAT) methodologies and subsequent stronger reported DAT results at our large academic medical center.

METHOD

We retrospectively reviewed DAT results of umbilical cord blood from infants with blood type A or B born to mothers with antibody-negative type O blood, based on records kept at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Hospital, a 1400-bed academic medical center.

RESULTS

We randomly chose 50 neonates with positive DAT results who had been tested using the tube method and 50 whose testing had used the gel method. Although 86% of results with the tube method were positive microscopically, 52% and 40% of the DAT results with the gel method were 1+ and 2+ positive, respectively. Further, we observed an increase in the number of neonates treated with phototherapy who had been tested using the gel method.

CONCLUSION

We report that DATs performed using the gel method had increased DAT strength compared with tube testing, which led to increased use of phototherapy by our clinical colleagues.

Interference in the indirect antiglobulin test and direct antiglobulin test from rheumatoid factor

Background

The indirect antiglobulin test (IAT) and direct antiglobulin test (DAT) have been used as common tests for transfusion. Recently, we have found that in addition to causing false increases, rheumatoid factor (RF) can also cause false decreases in immunoassays for hepatitis B surface antigen and B-type natriuretic peptide. However, it remains unclear whether RF also interferes with the IAT and DAT.

Methods

IAT models were produced by mixing IAT-positive plasma and RF-positive plasma, then one-step and two-step IATs were adopted for detection. DAT models were produced by mixing DAT-positive red blood cells (RBCs) and RF-positive plasma, followed by detection with the DAT. The DAT models were diluted using the same RF-positive plasma, and the DAT was performed again.

Results

The rate of decrease of the two-step IAT (40.63%) was significantly higher than that of the one-step IAT (31.51%). Both the rate of decrease (76.67%) and increase (16.67%) of the results of the 60 DAT models were significantly higher than those of the IAT models after two-fold dilution.

Conclusions

The RF can lead to both false decreases and false increases in IAT and DAT. And the interference effects are related to the RF content relative to the IgG-sensitized RBCs.

Characteristics of Bilirubin According to the Results of the Direct Antiglobulin Test and Its Impact in Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn

BACKGROUND

Hyperbilirubinemia, which is a sign of hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN), can irreversibly damage the central nervous system.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the etiology of HDN in affected patients and characterize the changing pattern of bilirubin using direct antiglobulin testing (DAT).

METHODS

We collected clinical data from newborns who underwent perinatal DAT and from their mothers, between August 2008 and July 2017.

RESULTS

Among 303 neonates, 37 (12.2%) showed positive DAT results. The positive predictive values (PPVs) and negative predictive values (NPVs) based on DAT results were 75.7% and 28.9%, respectively, for starting phototherapy. Bilirubin levels increased more rapidly in the DAT-positive group, compared with the DAT-negative group. The initial bilirubin level differed significantly according to the etiology of hyperbilirubinemia. Further, neonates with anti-D showed higher delta bilirubin per day than neonates with other antibodies.

CONCLUSION

Our results may help to determine the measurement period for bilirubin according to DAT results and etiology.

Delayed Cord Clamping Increased the Need for Phototherapy Treatment in Infants With AB0 Alloimmunization Born by Cesarean Section: A Retrospective Study

Objective: To compare the effect of Delayed Cord Clamping (DCC) to Immediate Cord Clamping (ICC) on phototherapy treatment in a cohort of cesarean-delivered newborns with AB0-alloimmunization. Study Design: In a retrospective cohort study neonates with Gestational Age (GA) ≥ 35 weeks and diagnosed with AB0-alloimmunization before implementation of DCC (ICC group) were compared with neonates born after implementation (DCC group). The primary outcome was the need for phototherapy. Secondary outcomes included hospital stay, readmission rate, need for extra intravenous fluids, maximum bilirubin concentration, and hours of life at bilirubin peak. We used regression models to adjust for weight loss, type of feeding, birth weight, and gestational age. Results: In total 336 neonates were included, of which 192 neonates in the ICC group and 144 in the DCC group. There were no differences in basic characteristics between the two groups except for birth weight (ICC 3193 ± 468 g vs. DCC 3053 ± 446 g, p = 0.01) and GA (ICC 38.2 ± 1 weeks of GA, vs. DCC 37.9 ± 1 weeks of GA; p = 0.01). When adjusted for confounding factors, after implementation of DCC, significantly more infants with AB0 alloimmunization needed phototherapy (22.4% vs. 36.8%, RR 1.61 CI: 1.15-2.28; p = 0.006; Number Needed to Harm 7), needed to stay longer in hospital (20.3% vs. 30.5%, RR 1.53 CI: 1.05-2.23; p = 0.03). The maximum bilirubin was higher (11.4 ± 4.0 mg/dl vs. 12.9 ± 3.5 mg/dl, p < 0.001) and occurred later [74 (67-92) hours vs. 84 (70-103) hours; p = 0.04]. There was no difference in the need for intravenous fluids (1.6% vs. 4.9%; not significant) and readmissions (1.6% vs. 3.5%; not significant). Conclusion: Infants with AB0 alloimmunization needed more often phototherapy and were admitted longer after implementation of DCC policy. Further studies are needed to see whether the benefit of DCC outweighs the increased morbidity, admission days, and related hospital costs.

The Direct Antiglobulin Test: Indications, Interpretation, and Pitfalls

The direct antiglobulin test (DAT; sometimes referred to as the "Coombs" test) continues to be one of the most widely used assays in laboratory medicine. First described about 70 years ago, it is elegantly simple in design, yet it is widely complex in its applications and interpretations, and it is prone to false-positive and false-negative results. The overall objective of our review is to provide practicing pathologists with a guide to identify situations when the DAT is useful and to highlight disease-specific shortcomings as well as general pitfalls of the test. To accomplish these goals, this review will discuss the following: (1) the history of the DAT, (2) how the test is performed in the clinical laboratory, (3) clinical situations for its use, (4) its interpretation, and (5) the pitfalls associated with DAT assays, including causes of false positivity.

Use of intravenous immunoglobulin in neonates at a tertiary academic hospital: a retrospective 11-year study

BACKGROUND

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is used to treat a variety of diseases in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Although audits have reported on the spectrum of IVIG use in adults, the indications and utilization in neonates has not been investigated. The objectives of this study were to describe the usage pattern of and indications for IVIG in a tertiary care NICU.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed of all neonates who received IVIG in the NICU from January 2003 to December 2013. Data collected included patient demographic features, antenatal maternal details, neonatal laboratory results, treatment details, adverse events, and patient outcome.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven neonates received IVIG over the 11-year period. Twenty-three (67%) were treated for hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN); 13 treatments were ABO related, six were anti-D related, and four were for clinically significant antibodies. Fourteen (33%) were treated for non-HDN causes, including eight for septic neonates, two for neonates with necrotizing enterocolitis, two for neonates with a clinically significant antibody but without evidence of hemolysis, and two for neonates with glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. A complete hemolytic workup was not performed consistently before the receipt of IVIG.

CONCLUSIONS

This novel assessment of IVIG use in the NICU revealed the spectrum of disease for which IVIG is ordered. This study also found that key diagnostic tests needed to confirm an immune etiology for idiopathic jaundice are not performed routinely before IVIG receipt. Neonatal transfusion-related databases are needed to carry out pragmatic clinical trials to establish better evidence-based guidelines for IVIG therapy in the NICU.