Fetomaternal Hemorrhage: Can We Use Hemoglobin Electrophoresis as a Diagnostic Tool?

Z Geburtshilfe Neonatol. 2020 Jun;224(3):150-152. doi: 10.1055/a-1041-3443. Epub 2019 Dec 16.

Abstract

Fetomaternal hemorrhage (FMH) is usually detected by either the Kleihauer-Betke (KB) test or by 2 cytometry, the latter of which represents the gold standard of FMH diagnosis today. But what do we do when neither method is available? We present two cases of suspected FMH due to their characteristic signs and symptoms that were ultimately confirmed by hemoglobin electrophoresis (HE).

Fetomaternal hemorrhage (FMH) is usually detected by either the Kleihauer-Betke (KB) test or by 2 cytometry, the latter of which represents the gold standard of FMH diagnosis today. But what do we do when neither method is available? We present two cases of suspected FMH due to their characteristic signs and symptoms that were ultimately confirmed by hemoglobin electrophoresis (HE).

MeSH terms

  • Electrophoresis, Capillary / methods*
  • Female
  • Fetal Hemoglobin / analysis
  • Fetomaternal Transfusion / diagnosis*
  • Hemoglobins
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy

Substances

  • Hemoglobins
  • Fetal Hemoglobin