Kellis

Kellis is a medical term referring to a specific type of antigen found on the surface of red blood cells. The Kellis antigen is part of the Kell blood group system, which is a group of antigens that are highly polymorphic and complex. The Kellis antigen is particularly important in the field of transfusion medicine and pregnancy, as it can cause hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) if a mother and her fetus have incompatible Kell blood types.

Overview

The Kell blood group system was first discovered in 1946 and is named after Mrs. Kellis, the first person in whom the antigen was identified. The system consists of 25 highly immunogenic antigens, of which Kellis is one. These antigens are located on a protein that is responsible for transporting ions across the red blood cell membrane.

Role in Transfusion Medicine

In transfusion medicine, the presence or absence of the Kellis antigen is important. If a patient with Kellis-negative blood receives blood that is Kellis-positive, they can develop antibodies against the Kellis antigen. This can lead to a hemolytic transfusion reaction, which is a serious and potentially life-threatening complication.

Role in Pregnancy

During pregnancy, if a mother is Kellis-negative and her fetus is Kellis-positive, the mother can develop antibodies against the fetus's red blood cells. This can lead to hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN), a condition in which the mother's antibodies destroy the fetus's red blood cells. This can cause anemia in the fetus, which can lead to serious complications such as hydrops fetalis, a severe form of prenatal heart failure.

Diagnosis and Treatment

The presence of the Kellis antigen can be detected through blood typing and antibody screening. If a patient is found to have antibodies against the Kellis antigen, they should receive Kellis-negative blood for transfusions.

In cases of HDFN due to Kellis incompatibility, treatment may involve intrauterine transfusion to replace the fetus's destroyed red blood cells. After birth, the newborn may require additional transfusions and treatment for anemia.

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