Treatment requirements of infants with rhesus isoimmunisation within a geographically defined area.
OBJECTIVE
To provide population based data on the treatment requirements of infants with rhesus isoimmunisation.


METHODS
Twenty nine hospitals in South Thames in which 81 119 deliveries occurred between February 1999 and January 2000.


METHODS
Every month, a clinician identified in each of the hospitals sent back a postcard indicating whether or not an infant with RhD had required treatment in their institution. Antenatal and postnatal information was then requested from all those who gave positive responses.


METHODS
Requirement for postnatal treatment for rhesus isoimmunisation.


RESULTS
During the one year study period, only 26 infants required treatment for rhesus isoimmunisation. The median duration of phototherapy of the 26 infants was five days (range 1-12). Seven infants required at least one exchange transfusion (two required two exchange transfusions), and seven infants received one "top up" transfusion. None received erythropoietin and no infant died.


CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest that few infants require treatment for rhesus isoimmunisation.
Greenough
A
A
Department of Child Health, King's College Hospital, London, UK. anne.greenough@kcl.ac.uk
Hartnoll
G
G
Hambley
H
H
Richards
J
J
D005078:Exchange Transfusion, Whole Blood / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007235:Infant, Premature, Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D018743:Perinatal Care / Q000379:methods; D010789:Phototherapy / Q000379:methods; D012203:Rh Isoimmunization / Q000628:therapy*; D018029:Rho(D) Immune Globulin / Q000008:administration & dosage
D018029:Rho(D) Immune Globulin