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Definition

ABO incompatibility is a reaction of the immune system that occurs if two different and not compatible blood types are mixed together.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

A, B, and O are the three major blood types. The types are based on small substances (molecules) on the surface of the blood cells. In people who have different blood types, these molecules act as immune system triggers (antigens).

Each person has a combination of two of these surface molecules. Type O lacks any molecule. The different blood types are:

  • Type A (AA or AO molecules)
  • Type B (BB or BO molecules)
  • Type AB
  • Type O

People who have one blood type form proteins (antibodies) that cause their immune system to react against other blood types. Being exposed to another type of blood can cause a reaction. This is important when a patient needs to receive blood (transfusion) or have an organ transplant. The blood types must be matched to avoid an ABO incompatibility reaction.

For example:

  • A patient with type A blood will react against type B or type AB blood
  • A patient with type B blood will react against type A or type AB blood
  • A patient with type O blood will react against type A, type B, or type AB blood

Because type O lacks any surface molecules, type O blood does not cause an immune response. This is why type O blood cells can be given to patients of any blood type. People with type O blood are called "universal donors." However, people with type O can only receive type O blood.

Since antibodies are in the liquid part of blood (plasma), both blood and plasma transfusions must be matched to avoid an immune reaction.

Symptoms

The following are symptoms of transfusion reactions:

Signs and tests
  • Bilirubin level is high
  • Complete blood count (CBC) shows damaged red blood cells, may also show mild anemia
  • Lab testing of patient's and donor's blood shows that they are not compatible
Treatment

Treatment may include:

  • Drugs used to treat allergic reactions (antihistamines)
  • Drugs used to treat swelling and Allergies (steroids)
  • Fluids given through a vein (intravenous)
  • Medicines to raise blood pressure if it drops too low
Expectations (prognosis)

This can be a very serious problem which can even result in death. With the right treatment, a full recovery is likely.

Complications
  • Kidney failure
  • Low blood pressure needing intensive care
  • Death
Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if you have recently had a blood transfusion or transplant and you have the symptoms listed above.

Prevention

Careful testing of donor and patient blood types before transfusion or transplant can prevent this problem.

References

McPherson RA, Pincus MR. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 21st ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders; 2006.

Hoffman R, Benz E, Shattil S, Furie B, Cohen H. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Churchill Livingstone; 2004.

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Related Questions

What is the difference between rh incompatibility and abo incompatibility if any?

Rh incompatibility occurs when the mother is Rh-negative and the fetus is Rh-positive, leading to the mother's immune response attacking the fetus' red blood cells. ABO incompatibility, on the other hand, happens when the mother has antibodies against the A or B antigens present on the baby's blood cells, leading to hemolysis. Both conditions can result in jaundice and anemia in newborns, but they involve different blood antigens.


What do NISHOT include?

NISHOT statistics include mistransfusion and ABO/Rh-incompatibility.


Why would the physician request a modified indirect coombs for a newborn?

To determine if the newborn has ABO incompatibility


Can O and A blood group parents have child?

Yes,but if the baby is blood type B then there is ABO incompatibility.


What is the result if the father is type a negative and the mother is type o?

Well there is an ABO and Rh incompatibility, then baby is at risk of jaundice or erythroblastosis fetalis.


How can ABO-incompatibility protect the baby against RH-incompatibility?

if O- mother consives A+ OR B- baby any foetal A or B TYPE RBC ENTERING THE MOTHERS blood cells are quickly distroyed by her anti-A or anti-B antibodies before she can form -Rh antibodies


What are the potential pregnancy complications associated with different blood types?

Pregnancy complications related to blood types include Rh incompatibility, where the mother is Rh-negative and the baby is Rh-positive, leading to potential issues like hemolytic disease of the newborn. ABO incompatibility can also cause problems, such as jaundice in the baby. These complications can be managed with proper medical care during pregnancy.


When was Nu ABO created?

Abo abo was created in 1992.


What is the causes of haemolysis in newborn?

The usual cause of abnormal hemolysis in newborn is blood group incompatibility between mother and baby either Rh or ABO. Other causes are much less common-hereditary spherocytosis, thalassemia, G6PD deficiency etc.


What will happen in my second pregnancy if my first child had severe jaudice resulting from me being o negative?

If the first child was Rh positive it is less likely that the jaundice was due to Rh incompatibility unless you had an abortion earlier and did not take anti D. ABO incompatibility is more likely. If you took anti D after the first delivery because the first child was Rh positive then second child may not be affected.


What is the name of the Abo Drethian homeworld?

Abo Dreth.


What does abo in a car?

Your questions makes no sense. What is abo