Incidence of maternal Rh immunization by ABO compatible and incompatible pregnancies.
The incidence of maternal Rh immunization in Rh-negative women following a single ABO compatible Rh-positive pregnancy is about 17%. This incidence was determined by following Rh-negative women through two Rh-incompatible pregnancies and analysing their sera for anti-Rh at the time of delivery of their second observed pregnancy. Maternal Rh immunization occurs almost exclusively after delivery; however, antibodies may not be detectable in the absence of further antigenic stimulation.The incidence of maternal Rh immunization when maternal-foetal ABO incompatibility is also present is 9-13% and 17% for group O and non-group O women respectively. This study emphasizes the need to offer Rh-immune prophylaxis to Rh-negative women having Rh-positive infants whether or not ABO incompatibility exists between the mother and infant.
D000017:ABO Blood-Group System; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007518:Isoantibodies / Q000032:analysis; D010298:Parity; D011247:Pregnancy; D011250:Pregnancy Complications, Hematologic; D012204:Rh-Hr Blood-Group System; D005719:gamma-Globulins / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000017:ABO Blood-Group System; D007518:Isoantibodies; D012204:Rh-Hr Blood-Group System; D005719:gamma-Globulins