ISOIMMUNIZATION Meaning and
Definition
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Isoimmunization is a medical term used to describe a condition in which a person's immune system produces antibodies against antigens present on the red blood cells of another individual. This immune response occurs when an individual is exposed to blood cells that possess different antigenic markers than their own. Isoimmunization commonly occurs during pregnancy when the blood of the fetus (which may possess different blood group antigens than the mother) enters the mother's bloodstream. The mother's immune system perceives these foreign fetal blood cells as a threat and subsequently generates specific antibodies (known as isoantibodies) against them.
Isoimmunization can have serious implications, particularly if the subsequent pregnancy involves a fetus that also carries the same antigens. In such cases, these isoantibodies can cross the placenta and attack the fetus's red blood cells, causing hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells) and potentially leading to a condition called hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN). HDFN can result in severe anemia, jaundice, organ damage, and even fetal or neonatal death.
To assess the risk and manage isoimmunization during pregnancy, blood tests are performed to determine the presence and levels of isoantibodies. If required, interventions such as intrauterine transfusions may be initiated to treat affected fetuses. Administering antibodies to the mother (known as Rho(D) immune globulin) after potentially sensitizing events, such as delivery or miscarriage, can help prevent isoimmunization in future pregnancies.
Common Misspellings for ISOIMMUNIZATION
- usoimmunization
- jsoimmunization
- ksoimmunization
- osoimmunization
- 9soimmunization
- 8soimmunization
- iaoimmunization
- izoimmunization
- ixoimmunization
- idoimmunization
- ieoimmunization
- iwoimmunization
- isiimmunization
- iskimmunization
- islimmunization
- ispimmunization
- is0immunization
- is9immunization
- isoummunization
- isojmmunization
Etymology of ISOIMMUNIZATION
The word "isoimmunization" is derived from the combination of two roots: "iso-" and "immunization".
1. "Iso-" is a prefix derived from the Greek word "isos", meaning "equal" or "identical". It is commonly used in scientific and medical terms to indicate "equal" or "similar".
2. "Immunization" is derived from the Latin word "immunis", meaning "free" or "exempt". It refers to the process of making an individual resistant or immune to a particular disease, typically by administering vaccines.
Thus, "isoimmunization" combines these roots to form a term that denotes the development of immune responses or immune reactions caused by exposure to similar or identical substances in the body. In the medical context, isoimmunization specifically refers to the development of antibodies against antigens that are similar or identical to an individual's own antigens.
