An audit of the investigation and use of anti-D immunoglobulin prophylaxis in Tayside.
OBJECTIVE
To audit the implementation of national guidelines on the investigation and management of RhD disease in Tayside.


METHODS
Tayside region.


METHODS
An eight month retrospective audit.


RESULTS
Two hundred and eighty eight completed pregnancies in RhD negative women were observed from a total of 1879 deliveries. Of these, 120 RhD negative and 169 RhD positive babies were delivered from women who had not previously been sensitised. At delivery, anti-D was used appropriately in all cases. Of those assessed to require anti-D (n = 168), 91% received it within 24 hours of delivery. In 59 RhD negative subjects, 75 potential sensitising events occurred antenatally. In 45 of these, the event occurred after 20 weeks gestation and 44 received appropriate anti-D. In 11 (23.7%) of these, no foetomaternal haemorrhage assessment was carried out.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite a significant increase in awareness of antenatal prophylaxis since a previous audit in the region, there is still a significant failure to request FMH assessments following potential antenatal sensitising episodes and after delivery. During the audit period, an EDTA plasma gell-based antibody detection system was commissioned in the region. This has allowed the introduction of internal laboratory referral for FMH assessment. This has allowed accurate knowledge on the possible occurrence of FMH at delivery, but has not had a significant impact on antenatal events.
Rennie
I
I
East of Scotland Blood Transfusion Service, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee.
Smith
A
A
Smith
R
R
Rawlinson
P S
PS
Clark
P
P
D005260:Female; D019983:Guideline Adherence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008485:Medical Audit; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011247:Pregnancy; D011292:Premedication / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011295:Prenatal Care / Q000592:standards*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012203:Rh Isoimmunization / Q000517:prevention & control*; D018029:Rho(D) Immune Globulin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012606:Scotland
D018029:Rho(D) Immune Globulin