Significance of Rh-sensitization during pregnancy: its relation to a preventive programme.
A study of the incidence of Rh-sensitization showed a 6.5% incidence of anti-D appearing for the first time during the last trimester of pregnancy. In 24 of the 29 subjects these antibodies were weak, and were found only when a sensitive technique using enzyme-treated Rh-deletion test cells was employed. The remaining five, however, had high-titre antibodies, which were associated with a positive Coombs test on cord blood.Rh-immune globulin administered at delivery resulted in disappearance of the anti-D in all but one of the subjects with weak antibody to whom it was given, suggesting that this treatment can reverse early sensitization. There was no effect when Rh-immune globulin was given to one subject with a high anti-D titre.Since sensitization has been found to occur frequently during the last trimester of pregnancy, an antenatal schedule of prophylaxis is advocated.
D000917:Antibody Formation; D003298:Coombs Test; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric; D004899:Erythroblastosis, Fetal / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D010298:Parity; D011247:Pregnancy; D011250:Pregnancy Complications, Hematologic; D012204:Rh-Hr Blood-Group System; D005719:gamma-Globulins / Q000008:administration & dosage
D012204:Rh-Hr Blood-Group System; D005719:gamma-Globulins