Prevention and management of RhD isoimmunization.
An Rh-negative woman is at risk for developing Rh isoimmunization upon exposure to RhD antigens from her Rh-positive baby through fetal-maternal hemorrhage. The incidence of Rh isoimmunization and fetal hemolytic disease has decreased substantially since Rh immune globulin was introduced in 1968. When RhD sensitization does occur, careful follow-up of these mothers and judicious intervention can result in good outcomes for most pregnancies. Both Doppler assessment of middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity and spectral analysis of amniotic fluid at 450 nm (DeltaOD 450) are useful in the diagnosis and management of fetal anemia.
Harkness
Ursula F
UF
Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Cincinnati, 231 Albert Sabin Way, PO Box 670526, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0526, USA. ursula.harkness@uc.edu
Spinnato
Joseph A
JA
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D011247:Pregnancy; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis / Q000379:methods; D012203:Rh Isoimmunization / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy*; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology