Houston we have a problem

mac · 01-31-2008, 02:51 PM

So a few weeks ago we were told I have elevated JKA antibodies, it attacks the childs red blood cells. They arent sure if im making the antibodies yet or not. My first test showed them second test didn't, so they said it could be a blip from the blood transfusion I had in august. BUT if J didn't have the JKA antigen then there was no worries for the baby, so they tested his blood last wednesday. They came back yesterday and he does have the antigen, meaning he is JKA + and I am JKA -. We have a 50/50 chance the child has his blood so Ill have to be closely watched and monitored. If I do start actively making the antibodies then it would mean transfusions for me and baby, and most likely early birth. This is in no way preventable and will get worse for every pregnancy if I trully am making the antibodies. I have to go back in next week to test my blood again.

So for right now the baby looks almost perfect.

When doing the ultrasound, everything was going along well until they went to look at the babies umbilical cord. Apparently your supposed to have 2 arteries and my baby only has one (this is called SUA). According to the doc since everything else looks good this is most likely a normal variation but they will do at least 3 if not 4 more ultrasounds to watch her progress and weight gain just to make sure its not because of other abnormalities (this is common with things like downs and trisimey 13 but I tested negative for those and show no signs of them, its also an indicator for heat disease).

At this point I have to pray I dont make anymore antibodies and it was just a blip on the test and that her one artery umbilical cord is just a normal variation. We have an echocardiogram for her heart on the 13th, I will update you all when we go to that.

Weird fact, this JKA antibody issue is so rare that they have never and will never make a preventive treatment like they do for the Rh factor with Rhogam.

My attacking the child will cause hemoltic disease of the newborn.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hemolyt...of_the_newborn

Heres another link, they quote this is a disease most commonly for Rh issues BUT mine is becuase the much more rare Jka.
http://www.lpch.org/DiseaseHealthInf...wborn/hdn.html

And heres a link to the one artery issue.
http://www.mommyguide.com/modules.ph...article&sid=49

fyrestar · 01-31-2008, 04:02 PM

So glad they caught the antibody issue! Hopefully no problems come of it.

SUA is the most common malformation of the cord and most times baby is perfectly healthy. There is a higher incidence of babies having chromosomal abnormalities or other malformations, but it's still really small. When you say you tested negative for chromosomal issues, do you mean you had an amnio? The AFP blood test only shows a risk level; it cannot diagnose or rule out a genetic issue. And the ultrasound cannot rule out genetic issues either - I had two level II u/s with Dawson and both showed a perfectly healthy little boy with no markers for anything. And he is a perfectly healthy little boy - just happens to also have Down Syndrome.

Prenatally, only CVS or amnio can determine with certainty if there is a chromosomal issue.

But again, the vast majority of babies with SUA are totally healthy little ones. It's good they're watching it closely to be safe!

gooberette · 01-31-2008, 04:37 PM

How scary! I'm glad she looks mostly good for now and I pray it stays that way for you.

Koloe · 01-31-2008, 04:50 PM

what Chris said.

I know about the Rh factor and the problems and it sounds like it's the exact same thing, but with a different antigen causing the problem. It's a scary thing. I hope

that you have not been sensitized.

Emma · 01-31-2008, 05:22 PM

I will

that this issues don't amount to anything for you guys. Keep us posted.

mac · 01-31-2008, 05:35 PM

They want to wait on an amnio until after the echocardiogram and my other blood tests come back. The thing about the amnio is that if were just the one artery thing I would do it in a heart beat but since I have the blood issue the risk of blood mixture and causing the antibodies to form is cause for concern and waiting. Doc said the ultrasounds are only 70% sure when it comes to downs. If she has downs I dont think I will be to upset, my parents used to be foster parents for kids with medical issues and weve had a few with downs, I think for that im prepared. I am more worried about the history of heart defects that my fathers family has in infants (about 3 I know of in the last 40 years). Heart surgery scares me a lot.

My husband is currently stationed in Okinawa, Japan so this makes it harder. He was home for 2 weeks (left yesterday) becuase of his fathers death, so he was here for the original diagnosis but he will be in Japan for the rest of the pregnancy.

I just hate the waiting and not knowing. When I know the issue I can research it, get the best info, find the best docs, do something. Not knowing is the hardest thing in the world.

Donna · 01-31-2008, 10:40 PM

I will be

for you and your little

!

Jen · 02-01-2008, 09:27 AM

that everything will come out perfect.

How scary.