Underutilization of Rh prophylaxis in the emergency department: a retrospective survey.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the practice of emergency physicians with regard to the issue of Rh isoimmunization.


METHODS
A retrospective chart review.


METHODS
A university-affiliated tertiary care hospital emergency department.


METHODS
Pregnant women presenting with a risk factor for Rh sensitization.


RESULTS
One hundred thirty-eight patient encounters were analyzed descriptively as to whether they were candidates for Rh immune prophylaxis, and if so, whether it was given. Most (68%) were hospitalized. Of those, all were Rh typed, but two patients were not given Rh immune globulin (RhIG) when indicated. Of those discharged from the ED, most (86%) were not Rh typed, and none was administered RhIG.


CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrates a need for increased attention to the potential for Rh isoimmunization in patients presenting to the ED.
Grant
J
J
Emergency Medicine Residency Program, Foothills Hospital, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Hyslop
M
M
D000022:Abortion, Spontaneous / Q000097:blood* / Q000150:complications; D000033:Abortion, Threatened / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007116:Immunization, Passive; D007136:Immunoglobulins; D007167:Immunotherapy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011247:Pregnancy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012203:Rh Isoimmunization / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012204:Rh-Hr Blood-Group System / Q000032:analysis*; D018029:Rho(D) Immune Globulin
D007136:Immunoglobulins; D012204:Rh-Hr Blood-Group System; D018029:Rho(D) Immune Globulin