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The Rh deficiency syndrome, also known as Rh-null syndrome, is a blood disorder where people have red blood cells (RBCs) lacking all Rh antigens. The Rh antigens maintain the integrity of the RBC membrane and therefore, RBCs which lack Rh antigens have an abnormal shape. There are two types of Rh deficiency syndrome: The regulator type is associated with many different changes (mutations) in the RHAG gene. The amorph type is caused by inactive copies of a gene (silent alleles) at the RH locus. As a result, the RBCs do not express any of the Rh antigens. The absence of the Rh complex alters the RBC shape, increases its tendency to break down (osmotic fragility), and shortens its lifespan, resulting in a hemolytic anemia that is usually mild. These patients are at risk of having adverse transfusion reactions because they may produce antibodies against several of the Rh antigens and can only receive blood from people who have the same condition. Rh deficiency syndrome is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. Management is individualized according to the severity of hemolytic anemia.
Features include: Stomatocytosis, Increased red cell osmotic fragility, High bilirubin levels (unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia), and Red blood cell destruction (hemolytic anemia) and 1 more.
Organ System | Phenotype Count | Example Features |
|---|---|---|
Lab test results | 1 | High bilirubin levels (unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia) |
RHAG function has not been fully characterized.
Rh deficiency syndrome is associated with mutations in the RHAG gene on chromosome 6.
Genetic testing for RHAG is available. Testing is considered confirmatory for diagnosis.
Biomarker and diagnostic research for Rh deficiency syndrome has been reported in the published literature.
Estimated prevalence: Unknown (Unknown prevalence).
No clinical trials have been registered for Rh deficiency syndrome.
2 publications have been identified in PubMed for Rh deficiency syndrome. Research spans Diagnostic / Biomarker (50%) and Case Report / Case Series (50%).
Tao L (2024). [PMID: 39103477](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39103477/). *Sci Rep*. [Diagnostic / Biomarker]
Qing Y (2024). [PMID: 38562113](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38562113/). *Transfusion*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Data assembled from 6 of 12 sources · Last updated Sep 19, 2026, 12:44 AM UTC
Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man
European rare disease database
Genetic and Rare Diseases Info Center
Common questions about Rh deficiency syndrome
Blood and immune system
1 |
Red blood cell destruction (hemolytic anemia) |
Digestive system | 1 | Jaundice |