Bethany and Molly discuss the history of HDFN and Alloimmunization. From the 1600s with a strange record of infant mortality to early attempts to hit an umbilical cord with a needle using only an x-ray and paper clips. They tell the story of the true state of disease management today using direct quotes from affected families. They also look to the future with hopes of new preventative medicines that could change the treatment of HDFN. 

Episode themes: 

• The first reported case of HDFN
• Rhesus monkey tests and the Rh factor 
• Early treatments for fetal anemia 
• William Liley’s first treatments 
• The discovery of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) and relationship with anemia 
• Rhesus immune globulin (RhoGAM)
• Using Cell Free Fetal DNA to test for Alloimmunization 
• The prediction of a medication to block the antibody 
• Soapbox moment: the state of this disease today

Allo Hope Terminology Library https://allohopefoundation.org/library/terminology/

Guests: Dr. Ken Moise https://partnersincare.health/directory/kenneth-moise

Links mentioned in this episode: 

The History of HDFN (timeline on AHF website): https://allohopefoundation.org/library/history/

Mari’s article on MCA Dopplers: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/nejm200001063420102

Dr. Moise’s editorial from New England Journal of Medicine: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMe068071

Nipocalimab trial:  https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04951622

Research for this episode provided by Bethany Weathersby and Molly Sherwood of the Allo Hope Foundation. Find more information at https://allohopefoundation.org

The Allo Podcast is produced and edited by https://www.mediaclub.co