Rhesus D immunoglobulin is vital to preventing and treating hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) associated with Rhesus D incompatibility, according to an article recently published in Obstetrical & Gynecological Survey.
In HDFN, the pregnant mother’s body produces antibodies that attack the red blood cells of the fetus. One of the most common reasons for this is when the pregnant woman’s blood group is Rhesus-negative while the blood group of the fetus is Rhesus-positive. This is known as Rhesus incompatibility and can be the underlying cause of HDFN.
One of the ways to secure the best outcomes for both mother and child is for antibody screening to be performed early during pregnancy. By identifying the presence of this disease and closely monitoring it throughout all three trimesters, doctors can ensure that the health and well-being of both mother and child are optimized.
Rhesus D immunoglobulin is an important tool to prevent HDFN from occurring in the first place. In the US, Rhesus D immunoglobulin is routinely given to pregnant women who have been found to be RhD-negative. This can prevent the pregnant woman from developing antibodies that attack the red blood cells of her fetus.
Read more about HDFN testing and diagnosis
The use of Rhesus D immunoglobulin is a preventative form of medicine. Studies show that it has had a sizable impact on the number of pregnant women affected by HDFN. Prior to the availability of Rhesus D immunoglobulin, the incidence of Rhesus D HDFN was estimated to be between 13% to 16% among at-risk pregnancies. After Rhesus D immunoglobulin was introduced, the risk of HDFN in at-risk pregnancies reduced to an estimated 1% to 2%.
Today, there is global consensus that Rhesus D immunoglobulin should be offered to all pregnant women who are Rhesus D-negative during their third trimester and at the time of delivery.
In summary, antibody screening should be performed in all pregnant women as early as possible. If the patient is Rhesus D-negative, the administration of Rhesus D immunoglobulin as a preventative step is highly encouraged.
”These recommendations prioritize further reduction of preventable Rhesus D-mediated HDFN,” researchers wrote.
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