Clinical Information

In hemolytic disease of the newborn, fetal red cells become coated with IgG alloantibody of maternal origin, directed against an antigen on the fetal cells that is of paternal origin and absent on maternal cells. The IgG-coated cells undergo accelerated destruction, both before and after birth. The clinical severity of the disease can vary from intrauterine death to hematological abnormalities detected only if blood from an apparently healthy infant is subject to serologic testing.

Pregnancy causes immunization when fetal red cells possessing a paternal antigen foreign to the mother enter the maternal circulation, an event described as fetomaternal hemorrhage (FMH). FMH occurs in up to 75% of pregnancies, usually during the third trimester and immediately after delivery. Delivery is the most common immunizing event, but fetal red cells can also enter the mother's circulation after amniocentesis, spontaneous or induced abortion, chorionic villus sampling, cordocentesis, or rupture of an ectopic pregnancy, as well as blunt trauma to the abdomen.(1)

Rh immune globulin (RhIG, anti-D antibody) is given to Rh-negative mothers who are pregnant with an Rh-positive fetus. Anti-D antibody binds to fetal D-positive red cells, preventing development of the maternal immune response. RhIG can be given either before or after delivery. The volume of FMH determines the dose of RhIG to be administered.