[Anti-D hyperimmunoglobulin, a study of Swiss requirements]

Owing to the introduction of postpartum Rhesus prophylaxis with anti-D hyperimmunoglobulin, a very small number of Rh-negative women become sensitized against the Rhesus factor at birth. Accordingly, the number of naturally immunized women suitable for the collection of anti-D plasma is decreasing. Currently, the demand for anti-D plasma in Switzerland is covered by plasma donations of spontaneously immunized women. The relation between production of and demand for anti-D hyperimmunoglobulin is expected to improve in the coming years due to better registration of anti-D-carrying women. Large areas of Switzerland are poorly exploited with regard to female anti-D donors and represent substantial reserves with regard to anti-D hyperimmunoglobulin production. It is expected that anti-D production from plasma collected from naturally sensitized women will cover demands up to the year 2000 without difficulty. Active immunization of Rh-negative volunteer donors will not be needed before the end of the century.